from DSSResources.comIHOP serves up enhanced site selection with MapInfo(R) location intelligence technologyTROY, N.Y., July 14, 2005 -- MapInfo Corporation (NASDAQ: MAPS), the leading global provider of Location Intelligence solutions, today announced that IHOP Corp. (NYSE: IHP) uses its Location Intelligence technology for the restaurant chain's site selection efforts. Using a MapInfo Market Optimization modeling solution and MapInfo's PSYTE(R) U.S. Advantage, IHOP is able to profile its most loyal patrons, determine the impact of competitive positioning, better identify and forecast the performance of new sites and meet corporate objectives for sales and market penetration. With nearly 1,200 restaurants across the United States and Canada, the IHOP chain has been serving a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections for nearly 50 years. After recently shifting to a franchisee-financed development model, IHOP turned to MapInfo to deliver the Location Intelligence analytics that enable IHOP to help its franchisees develop new restaurants. In its research, MapInfo surveyed more than 60,000 IHOP guests and used its PSYTE U.S. Advantage segmentation system to profile their demographic and lifestyle characteristics. The PSYTE profile was then incorporated into a predictive analytic Market Optimization model to determine the sales potential of prospective sites, and to evaluate whether existing restaurants are properly positioned to capture full market potential. "MapInfo services allow us to better understand, from a market and site location-specific perspective, what our guests enjoy about IHOP and what they'd like to see from us in the future," said Rick Celio, vice president, franchise and development at IHOP. "MapInfo Location Intelligence technology also facilitates more effective evaluation of franchise sites, helping to ensure that corporate objectives for the number of locations and performance are met. The intelligence they provide is a critical component to our overall development program." MapInfo Market Optimization helps IHOP determine: -- The ideal number of restaurants for a geographical area. -- The impact competition poses to proposed IHOP locations. -- Which establishments the company should plan to close, renovate or relocate. "As the restaurant business becomes ever more competitive, Location Intelligence solutions can help ensure that even iconic establishments such as IHOP remain successful," said Mike Hickey, COO at MapInfo. "Our Market Optimization and PSYTE Advantage segmentation technology offers companies the ability to analyze and predict customer behavior, and in this case, allows IHOP to optimize its market development and improve the predictability of success of new restaurants." To satisfy IHOP's strategic market deployment needs, MapInfo developed a custom predictive analytic Market Optimization model that incorporated guest profiles developed using PSYTE U.S. Advantage. PSYTE U.S. Advantage pulls consumer and geographic data from dozens of sources to provide a comprehensive neighborhood segmentation system, complete with purchasing, healthcare and lifestyle data, plus the latest U.S. Census figures. About IHOP Corp. The IHOP family restaurant chain has been serving a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections for more than 45 years. Offering more than 16 types of pancakes as well as omelettes, breakfast specialties, burgers, sandwiches, chicken and steaks, IHOP's diverse menu appeals to people of all ages. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, California-based IHOP Corp. As of March 31, 2005, the end of IHOP's first quarter, there were 1,198 IHOP restaurants in 48 states and Canada. IHOP Corp. common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol "IHP." For more information, call the Company's headquarters at 818-240-6055 or visit the Company's Web site located at www.ihop.com. About MapInfo Corporation MapInfo is a global company and the leading provider of Location Intelligence solutions, integrating software, data and services to provide greater value from location-based information and drive more insightful decisions for businesses and government organizations around the world. MapInfo solutions are available in 20 languages through a network of strategic partners and distribution channels in 60 countries. Headquartered in Troy, N.Y., MapInfo is on the World Wide Web at www.mapinfo.com. MapInfo and PSYTE are trademarks of MapInfo Corporation and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Of Note This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties. Any statement not a statement of historical fact is a forward-looking statement, including without limitation statements concerning demand for and benefits of MapInfo products and integration of MapInfo products with existing solutions. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those factors contained in the Company's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the heading "Factors Affecting Future Performance." MapInfo takes no responsibility to update any forward-looking statements. Angela Girard, 518-285-6000 press@mapinfo.com or Schwartz Communications Erin Del Llano, 781-684-0770 mapinfo@schwartz-pr.com |