Marriott International's Central Reservations System Earns Them Top Honors from CIO Magazine

International Data Group's (IDG) CIO magazine has announced that Marriott International, Inc. is a recipient of the 2010 CIO 100 award for the eleventh time. The 23rd annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).

In an effort to support hotel operations and profitability, Marriott leverages electronic distribution channels to distribute room inventory to a broad cross-section of customers. The Direct Connect for External Channels initiative simplifies how distribution channels connect to Marriott's central reservation system. These enhancements to the inventory distribution infrastructure and additional capabilities are facilitating growth in current and new markets while lowering costs and increasing speed to market.

"The demand for business agility and speed to market is stronger than ever," says Carl Wilson, Marriott's executive vice president and CIO. "By applying a modern architectural approach to the problem of supporting legacy and newer technologies, we are now able to reach new markets faster than ever before. We are honored that our efforts have been recognized by CIO Magazine."

"This year's CIO 100 awards draws well-deserved attention to companies that are not only innovating with IT but creating genuine business value as well," says Maryfran Johnson, editor-in-chief of CIO magazine & events. "These winning companies and their IT organizations are an inspiration to businesses everywhere."