Optims enters distribution agreement for its IT solutions in ASP mode through HotelNetBusiness, the first European B to B Marketplace dedicated to independent hoteliers

Through this partnership, Hotel Net Business will market Optims ASP (Application Service Provider) solutions. "Our alliance will offer a greater added value to the independent hospitality segment, explains Bernard Levy-Provençal, the Managing Director of Hotel Net Business. We selected Optims because of the quality of its ASP technology offer". All its solutions are already ASP ready : Property Management and Revenue Management solutions, as well as its Central Reservation System.

"This partnership is a sign of the strategic importance of the ASP for the independent hoteliers, what Hotel Net Business has clearly understood, adds Antoine Medawar,

CEO of Optims. Moreover, the ASP solution allows to save money on the computer costs - up to 30% - and now, independent hoteliers have an easy access to high-performance technology they couldn't previously afford".

"We are going to build this new service into what we already propose to independent hotels, anchored by our purchasing system, adds Bernard Levy-Provençal. Through this global services approach, we give first time access to management tools tailored to the needs of independent hoteliers, in order to offer them a bundle of services with high added value".

ABOUT…

… ASP technology

ASP is a contractual service for distributing, implementing, managing and renting computer applications hosted in an external location. In other words, customers interested by this solution no longer need to buy an Optims software package, but will rent it without any operational constraints linked to maintenance, service and software updates. With Optims.ASP, the entire system is outsourced, via the Internet. This technology presents many advantages : variable cost invoices according to usage; an automatic, free and current updating of the software; minimal investment (a simple Internet connection); remote management for everything related to the help-desk; an automatic backup and a substantial cut in operational costs. All Optims' software products are already available in an ASP mode.

… OPTIMS

Optims develops and implements Information Technology solutions dedicated to optimising management methods and revenues. For the past decade, Optims has been serving the hospitality, tourism, catering, transport and travel industries with three complementary technologies. They include a Property Management System (PMS) ; Yield Management Solutions known as Revenue Management Systems ; and a Central Reservation System (CRS). Optims is now the leading European developer of IT solutions for the hospitality market. The Company has over 3,500 customers in more than 55 countries, with its revenue management solutions enjoying an installed base of over 200 customer sites worldwide. Among Optims' prestigious clientele are Accor, Forte, Fram, Nouvelles Frontieres, Radisson and Savoy. Optims issued its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nouveau Marché in the Paris Stock Exchange in June 2000 (SICOVAM code: 7652).

… HOTEL NET BUSINESS

Created by the British born Paul Bernie, joined in November 2000 by Bernard Lévy-Provençal, previously Deputy Director of IMHI (Cornell-ESSEC), Hotel Net Business developed the first on-line global service solution dedicated to independent hospitality. Taking advantage of over 50 million francs invested in the development of a state-of-the-art technology in the United States, Hotel Net Business is in full implementation of its business plan in Europe, starting with France.

Hotel Net Business delivers a global service solution comprised of:

• Hotel Net Supply : on-line purchasing system, within an integrated multi-vendor marketplace,
• Hotel Net Job : recruiting service in the hotel sector,
• Hotel Net Services : direct access to essential services, selected by Hotel Net Business (information, databases, tips & tricks, management tools, professional agendas and directories…),
• Hotel Net Reservations : access to a network of partners, allowing an electronic distribution of the rooms on an international scale.