Top Hospitality Performers Place Increased Focus on Enterprise-Wide Visibility

BOSTON, MA, Jul 07 (MARKET WIRE) --
Recent research reveals 72% of hospitality organizations have
successfully integrated inventory management applications into their
enterprise management system, according to the latest report titled "Next
Generation Hospitality: Upgrading and Restructuring Enterprise Systems"
by Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS). Aberdeen Group
surveyed 75 hospitality enterprises between May and June 2009, and
revealed the top two pressures facing 47% of leading organizations: (1)
ensuring continued growth and (2) expansion, and improving product and
service value.

"In uncertain economic times, the value an organization delivers to its
customer base is of utmost importance," comments Chris Cunnane, co-author
and research analyst at Aberdeen. "Leading organizations are making
strides to stay ahead of the competition by making these improvements a
critical business strategy."

In response to these business pressures, hospitality executives have
identified "providing visibility into sales and service levels" as their
top strategic action, with top organizations twice as likely to undertake
this action. "In conjunction with providing visibility, these
organizations are also working to improve inventory planning and
allocation," reflects Sahir Anand, co-author and research director,
Aberdeen.

According to Aberdeen data, visibility into sales allows managers to check
the performance of the organization, measure the performance against daily
/ weekly goals, and make the requisite decisions, such as pricing
promotions or other perks, to impact their overall sales. "For a hotel,
this can result in agile decision-making on discounted room rates to
increase occupancy during slower times, while restaurants are likely to
have daily specials, improved meal selections, and aggressive couponing
programs to drive more traffic," states Cunnane.

Aberdeen's research has shown that improved integration of operational
modules is another driver for success. The analysis of leading
organizations demonstrates that these companies follow more comprehensive
and practical approaches that enable improved integration of operational
modules across the enterprise through a combination of:

-- Regular upgrades to Property Management System infrastructure. Regular
upgrades ensure improved functionality of the property management system,
providing a better overall guest experience while reducing manual labor
hours and costs.

-- Data collaboration between headquarter functions. These functions
include accounting and financial reporting, inventory planning and
replenishment, revenue management and optimization, and customer
management, amongst others. Collaboration and workflow visibility allows
multiple departments to work as a whole and improve the process workflow of
the organization.

-- Demand trend predictability. This ensures proper workforce and
inventory levels for peak and off-peak times at the organization.

All of the above requirements, amongst others, are part of the winning
strategy for hospitality success.

A complimentary copy of this report is made available due in part by the
following underwriters and publication partner: Microsoft Decision Logic,
and Hospitality Net. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit:
http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=5967.

For additional access to complimentary Retail Research, please visit
http://research.aberdeen.com/index.php/-retail

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company

Aberdeen provides fact-based research and market intelligence that
delivers demonstrable results. Having queried more than 30,000 companies
in the past two years, Aberdeen is positioned to educate users to action:
driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering
meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the
global technology markets, corporations turn to Aberdeen for insights that
drive decisions.

As a Harte-Hanks Company, Aberdeen plays a key role of putting content in
context for the global direct and targeted marketing company. Aberdeen's
analytical and independent view of the "customer optimization" process of
Harte-Hanks (Information - Opportunity - Insight - Engagement -
Interaction) extends the client value and accentuates the strategic role
Harte-Hanks brings to the market. For additional information, visit
Aberdeen or call (617) 723-7890, or to learn more about Harte-Hanks, call
(800) 456-9748.

Copyright 2009 Aberdeen Group, Inc., a Harte-Hanks Company
451 D Street, Suite 710
Boston, Massachusetts 02210-1928
Telephone: (617) 854-5200
Fax: (617) 723-7897
www.aberdeen.com

Media Contact:
Chris Cunnane
Research Associate
Aberdeen Harte-Hanks
(617) 854-5370
Chris.Cunnane@aberdeen.com

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-