Agilysys and Business Connexion Announce Strategic Partnership

Agilysys, and Business Connexion announced their strategic business partnership at the Soccerex 2008 business convention, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The partnership brings together Business Connexion, a leading integrator of ICT solutions in South Africa and one of Africa’s largest black empowered ICT companies, and Agilysys, a global provider of innovative information technology solutions to the hospitality market sector.

With more than 5,000 employees and offices in all major South African centres, Business Connexion is well positioned to provide hospitality clients with technology solutions that include the award-winning InfoGenesis POS™ by Agilysys and Eatec Solutions by Agilysys, an inventory and procurement system.

“Our strategic partnership with Business Connexion brings together an impressive skills set, vast industry experience and open architecture solutions,” said Tina Stehle, senior vice president and general manager of Agilysys Hospitality Solutions Group. “Our technology is used in leading hospitality venues around the world, including stadiums, hotels, resorts and casinos. We look forward to expanding our presence in the South African hospitality market and to working with Business Connexion to deliver innovative solutions to its customers.”

“The South African tourism sector is a robust industry that has enjoyed significant growth in recent years, as evidenced by its contribution to the GDP and the rising number of tourists visiting the country,” said Mothusi Lukhele, Business Connexion’s group executive for Coastal and United Kingdom regions. “This is attributable, in part, to the country’s hosting of major international sporting events and global conferences. Through our partnership with Agilysys, we will bring leading edge solutions to the local hospitality sector, while providing strong support through our extensive national footprint.”

Business Connexion recently was awarded a tender to supply information technology venue managers to MATCH Event Services (Pty) LTD. Agilysys recently was awarded the tender to deliver its integrated hospitality solutions to Twickenham Stadium in London, home to the English Rugby Football Union.

The partnership has already garnered praise from business leaders in the South African hospitality industry.

“We are pleased that an international hospitality software and technology vendor has entered the South African market in partnership with Business Connexion,” said Alan Rankin, one of the developers of the Royal Palm in Umhlanga. “This partnership will help meet the growing technology demands of the South African hospitality industry. Business Connexion has a strong local presence, and Agilysys brings a wealth of industry best practices to the region. It’s a powerful combination.”

Carol Weaving, managing director for Thebe Exhibitions & Projects Group in Bryanston, agrees. “This is an exciting partnership, offering ‘Best of Breed’ hospitality solutions and expert systems integration skills. The two companies will bring new choices and opportunities to businesses throughout the South African hospitality sector.”