Resort Technology Partners and SKIDATA, AG Announce
Global Partnership Agreement
Aspen Skiing Company will Debut New RFID Gate Solution
in the 2008/2009 Ski Season
Avon, Colo. and Salzburg, Austria - May 28, 2008 - Resort Technology Partners, LLC (RTP), a leading provider of software and web services for the resort and recreation industries, and SKIDATA AG, an international solution provider of access control systems, announced today that they have entered into a mutual global value-added reseller agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will develop, market and support a joint solution to companies in the ski resort, amusement park, attraction and stadium industries.
Aspen Skiing Company, owner and operator of the four-mountain Colorado complex - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk is a world renowned destination, recognized for its award-winning customer service. Aspen will debut a complete installation of SKIDATA RFID gate technology and the RTP system at its four mountains for the 2008-2009 winter season. The RFID system will provide a completely hands-free experience for all guests. "We are excited to have the technology that will enhance our guests' experience by providing convenient, automated access to our mountains," explained Matt Jones, CFO, Aspen Skiing Company. "Our guests will be able to enjoy a seamless and efficient experience throughout our resort, so they may spend more time enjoying the skiing and snowboarding."
RTP and SKIDATA are combining resources to develop and market a tightly integrated product utilizing SKIDATA's access control technology and RTP's enterprise ticketing and point-of-sale system, RTP|ONE. The SKIDATA solutions utilize Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as part of the ski pass to enable additional products and services that will improve operator efficiency while enhancing the guest experience. The combined solution will be available for installation worldwide later this year.
"The demand from the resort and recreation industry for an integrated solution that optimizes the guest experience - including vacation planning, eCommerce, admissions/access control, and point-of-sale - will now be met via an integrated SKIDATA-RTP solution," said Charlie L'Esperance, President and CEO of RTP. "SKIDATA's products have been extremely successful worldwide, and we are excited to deliver an end-to-end access management and ticketing system to our customers, as well as broaden RTP sales internationally."
Known primarily for its award-winning access gate, the SKIDATA "Freemotion" solution is specifically designed for maximum guest convenience with fully handsfree access. The RFID-based SKIDATA solution enables operators to improve guest management and profitability through the support of multiple channels and improved security protection.
"This partnership marks an important step in our overall growth strategy and strengthens our presence in the North American mountain resort market," said Charles Egli, CEO of SKIDATA. "There are great opportunities for both companies as we expand our respective product portfolios. Customers of both companies will benefit from having the best ticketing and POS system available for resort and recreation operators worldwide."
About RTP
RTP is the leading provider of integrated technology solutions for resort and recreation businesses. RTP's solutions are designed to enable customers to increase competitive advantage, manage more effectively and optimize the guest experience by integrating RTP point-of-sale software with eCommerce, web design, and distribution services. RTP is a privately held company headquartered in Avon, CO. For more information, visit www.rtp.com.
About SKIDATA
Headquartered in Grödig/Salzburg (Austria) and represented on all continents, SKIDATA AG (www.skidata.com) is an international market leader in access management and ticketing solutions for controlled access of persons and vehicles to buildings and venues. Reference clients include renowned ski resorts, international airports, sports venues, and leisure parks. Currently around 5,000 SKIDATA applications are in operation worldwide. SKIDATA is a member of Swiss-based Kudelski Group (SWX: KUD.VX, www.nagra.com), a world leader in digital security technology.
