New Destination Management System Was Created by a CVB for CVBs – Offering a Complete, Integrated and Flexible Solution

Minneapolis, MN, Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Eutech Cybernetics, a global developer and supplier of enterprise-class software solutions and the Greater Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association (GMCVA), today announced a partnership to introduce the Internet Destination Sales System (iDSS), an economical, Web-enabled suite of applications for convention sales and service, destination marketing and client management. Created by a CVB for CVBs, iDSS will give small-and medium-sized bureaus and associations the technology power of larger organizations, without the expense of adding an IT department.

Developed by Eutech Cybernetics and completely Web-based, iDSS is available anytime and anywhere users are-in the office, at home, on the road. Logging on is as easy as connecting to the Internet, maximizing a sales staff's efficiency and productivity. Affordable, easy to integrate and simple to use, iDSS is an ideal destination management solution for CVB's, associations and organizations without dedicated technology staff to manage complicated systems.

iDSS is made up of five 'modules' that work seamlessly together, eliminating the need to re-enter data while ensuring the accuracy of information. It also provides a built-in workflow engine for interpersonal communication among team members. Modules for convention sales, convention services, tourism sales, registration/housing and membership were each designed to thoroughly meet all of a CVB’s needs. "But while iDSS’s capabilities are exhaustive, no other destination management program out there is easier to use and maintain," said Jim Adamson, GMCVA Director of Technology. "Its Web-based nature, an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) and an intelligent query system makes iDSS user-friendly."

Two specific applications make iDSS stand out, providing powerful functionality not offered by other destination management software packages. The Citywide Future Hotel Room Availability Calendar offers unprecedented visibility and immediate access to citywide hotel room availability. It provides a snapshot of individual hotel room availability, along with an overview of total room availability for the entire city for all future dates. This all in one easy screen, saving sales staff from making a multitude of phone calls, or waiting for responses from the hotel community to begin selecting the most desirable dates for future businesses. iDSS's Member User Interface (MUI) automates many traditionally time-consuming processes by providing select users direct access to the system. All hotel, attraction and member communications, leads, updates, cancellations and definite bookings are completed automatically, eliminating need to fax and email documents.

"iDSS helps our staff quickly identify inventory availability and react more efficiently to our customers. Because the system accurately shows future pressure on total citywide occupancy, we can more effectively fill soft time periods," said Tom Chase, Marriott Area Lodging Manager.

"Because we serve applications on our servers and upgrade the system on a regular basis, you don’t need additional staff to maintain the technology on your end," said Greg Ortale, GMCVA President and CEO. "This means iDSS streamlines your critical business data while you focus on what’s really important: Selling your destination."

"Building upon GMCVA’s extensive knowledge in industry best practices and Eutech’s technology capabilities, iDSS has created a suite of products and services as a truly end-to-end solution that enables CVBs of all sizes to leverage the latest technology to expand their service offering, increase staff efficiency and strengthen client relationship" said Rao Gumpalli, Executive Vice President of Eutech Cybernetics.

iDSS can be purchased as a complete suite of applications, or CVBs and associations can buy individual modules and features to serve unique needs. iDSS is the first destination management system to be made available as an Application Service Provider (ASP) contributing to its affordability. The system was designed to be easily integrated into an organization’s technology environment, with few special needs. The Eutech developers created a universal set of applications that use Internet Explorer 6.0 and Microsoft Office Suite. Windows-driven, iDSS was also designed to work effectively in nearly all hotel environments.

About Eutech Cybernetics
Eutech Cybernetics is a leading provider of software products, solutions and services for Business Asset Management, Healthcare, Banking, Hospitality and Engineering Services. Currently, there are over 1,000 installations of Eutech solutions or products worldwide, which have been implemented by a global network of partners, integrators and resellers, which include, Mostech, Colliers International Asset Management, Siemens and NTT. Eutech's recent focus has been centered on solutions based on the fast-emerging Web Services model, which is set to transform the way enterprise applications are developed. Eutech operates in 12 countries around the world and has a strong presence in the US with offices in Redwood City, California and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

About GMCVA
The Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association (GMCVA) is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes Minneapolis as a venue for conventions and meetings and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to bring a positive economic impact to the greater Minneapolis area.