Toronto (canadaTECH.INFO) – August 19, 2009: Ideaca Knowledge Services (www.ideaca.com), a Canadian based consulting firm that advises on, implements and supports business applications announced today that HDS Retail North America, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lagardère Services, the world's largest travel retailer has selected Ideaca to implement a centralized and integrated Retail solution based on Microsoft Dynamics AX.

As the world's largest travel retailer, HDS Retail North America has embarked on a major investment geared towards improving the day-to-day lives of its employees and customers. A significant objective of the initiative is the modernization of the application software to support core business functions. HDS chose Ideaca because they are a premier Microsoft partner who understands the needs of the retail industry and has a proven track record of success implementing integrated solutions that focus on delivering business value to customers.

Ideaca will work with HDS to implement an integrated Microsoft-stack built upon Dynamics AX and leveraging the retail/merchandising capabilities of LS Retail. The retail solution will also include: SharePoint as a portal interface for employees at HDS retail locations to better communicate and collaborate with HDS corporate offices, PerformancePoint Planning to support their long-term vision of integrated planning and performance management, BizTalk / SQL Server to orchestrate data exchange, integration and management, and Profitbase Retail Business Intelligence which delivers ready-to-use business analytics. The overall solution will help HDS drive increased sales through optimal product mix and better management of competitive pricing and discounts, streamline strategic corporate functions and enable HDS to make better decisions with the right information at the right time.

“HDS strives to make our customers’ journey more enjoyable. In order to continue to achieve and exceed their expectations, we required a more sophisticated and integrated technology solution.” said Vadim Motlik, Chief Administrative & Chief Financial Officer, HDS Retail North America. “We feel that the proposed solution by Ideaca will deliver core retail capabilities to meet our near term goals, as well as implement foundational components to support HDS’ longer term strategic goals.”

“We are very excited to partner with the world’s largest travel retailer on this innovative project.” said Muneer Hirji, President and CEO, Ideaca. “Our experienced team will work with HDS to deliver an integrated solution that enables future growth and assist HDS to reduce costs, increase operational efficiencies and streamline core business processes. We look forward a successful and long-term partnership with HDS Retail North America.”


About Ideaca Knowledge Services (www.ideaca.com)
Ideaca is a Canadian based consulting firm that advises on, implements and supports business applications. Ideaca currently employs over 170 information technology professionals in their Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver offices. Recognized globally for delivering innovative solutions, Ideaca focuses on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Portals and Collaboration Tools, Custom Application Development, Business Intelligence, Application Infrastructure Solutions and Support Services.

About HDS Retail North America (www.hdsrna.com)
HDS Retail North America is re-energizing travel environments everywhere. With over 350 stores, our programs are engaging passengers in new and exciting ways. From news and gift, to specialty retail, our brands and concepts focus on delivering trendsetting products and services that are relevant to today's traveler. HDS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lagardère Services, the world's largest travel retailer, with over 1,600 stores in 18 countries covering 4 continents.


For more information, contact:
Sunny Sung
Ideaca Knowledge Services
pr@ideaca.com