Frequently asked questions about Merlin Software for Enterprise, the leading cloud-based, software-as-a-service, single platform solution for timeshare, fractional and vacation ownership resorts - whatever their size, age and location and the type of timeshare product sold. Find out what modules are included, about pricing, customer support and Merlin's online capabilities.
2. Merlin Software for Enterprise
What’s included
Marketing
Sales
Front
Office
Back
Office
Merlin
Software for
Enterprise Reservations
Reporting
Accounts
PMS
3. What is Merlin Software for Enterprise?
Merlin Software is business application software designed
specifically for today’s timeshare industry – whatever the age,
size or location of the resort/s or the types of product sold.
Merlin handles it all.
Accessed over the internet with a login and password, without
the need for expensive servers or hardware, Merlin comprises
modules that run every aspect of a resort operation including:
• Marketing
• Sales
• Property management
• Reservations
• Accounting
• Reporting
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions.
4. Can Merlin handle all our software needs?
Yes, Merlin Software for Enterprise includes all the functionality
that you need to run an enterprise operation – whether that
consists of one resort or a group of 50 resorts in multiple
countries. No other operational software is required.
How do I access Merlin Software for Enterprise?
Merlin Software is cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) so
all your resort needs is a laptop or PC and access to the internet
to login in and start working.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
5. Merlin Software is cloud based – how secure is this?
Your data is stored at our data centers based in London, U.K. and
has the same level of encryption and protection as software run
by banks and other financial institutions. Being cloud-based,
Merlin is also the preferred option in disaster recovery.
What’s included in the package for Enterprise?
As an Enterprise client you have access to every module within
Merlin – at no additional cost.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions.
6. What determines the price?
Our pricing model is based on the typical SaaS subscription
model. Apart from the initial set up, training and support costs,
there is a license fee that is based on the number of units at
each resort location.
Is Merlin scalable should our business grow?
Yes, as an Enterprise client you have an unlimited number of
users.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
7. How customizable is Merlin Software for Enterprise?
Very. Although Merlin Software is based on shared architecture,
we understand that all of our Enterprise clients have specific
needs. As such, we are able to build specific API’s to their third
party services, develop custom functionality and so on.
Customer support is important to us. What are the
hours and how does it work?
It’s important to us too. Support is available 365 days of the
year, 24 hours a day via online support logs, Skype, telephone,
GoToMeeting and on-site - all based on your requirements and
needs.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
8. What types of on-site services are included?
Depending on your needs and the complexities of your
operation, the Merlin Installation team will go on-site at your
resort to train and hand-hold during the launch of the software
at each location.
What is the turnaround time for getting issues
fixed?
The support team aim to turnaround support logs within 24-48
hours. If this cannot be achieved, the log will be upgraded and
a project manager will take over the log and be responsible for
its completion.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
9. How often do program updates go out and do you
notify customers?
Updates are released on a weekly basis and we include
information of what’s been released in the enhancement
section of the website.
Does the Merlin team have real business
knowledge?
Most software providers come from technology fields – we
don’t. Our chief architect has real, hands-on experience and
developed Merlin Software because there was nothing available
on the market to meet his needs.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
10. How long has Merlin Software been in business?
Chief architect and CEO Mike Pnematicatos has been in the
industry for over 30 years. He began development of Merlin
Software in 2000 and it was launched in 2005.
Do you have any special hardware or operating
system requirements?
No, all you need is an internet connection and a PC/laptop.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
11. What is Merlin’s core expertise?
Merlin is primarily a software and expertise provider. Our team
members have direct experience as resort developers, creators
of fractional and points-based products, timeshare marketing
and sales and resort management.
Does Merlin have a client or a software focus?
While we are committed to providing you with the best
technology, our focus is most definitely on your specific needs.
Our motto is simple: It’s All About You.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
12. Can I use Merlin to contact my owners and guests?
Yes, Merlin’s marketing module allows you to build a database
of names, set up campaigns and communications and then push
these through direct mail, email and SMS channels and to your
call centre. You can then track responses and build additional
marketing cascades based on these results – always knowing
the success and cost of each program. It is a true CRM system.
We sell a variety of products, can Merlin Software
for Enterprise handle this?
Yes, Merlin Software can handle all types of product from
traditional fixed and floating weeks to points, complex fractional
structures, alternate year, trial products and whole ownership.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
13. Sales take place at multiple locations, can Merlin
Software track this?
Yes, because Merlin is cloud-based it is able to provide real-time
data at all your sales locations, wherever they are based,
allowing you to determine your sales teams’ success and
monitor appointments and tour flow from your laptop or PC.
Can Merlin manage my sales inventory?
Yes, you can add your sales inventory to Merlin sales
pool and have different products available at any one
time.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
14. How comprehensive is the property management
system?
Very! Merlin has a full hotel-style front desk system including
check in/out, guest accounting, shift changes, night audit and
has built in housekeeping and maintenance functionality.
Will it handle different types of reservations?
Yes, Merlin can administer all owner reservations for whatever
product that is owned, handle owner exchanges and operate
your rental program with easy-to-operate fund distribution and
travel agent commissions.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
15. Can my owners make reservations online?
Yes, by adding Merlin’s interactive pages and booking engine to
your website you can allow your owners to make reservations,
check their accounts, view statements, book add-on services,
pay their maintenance fees, update their records and much
more.
Can I run a rental program through my site?
Yes, as an Enterprise client you have access to the rental
booking engine allowing you to set up a rental program on your
website, allocate inventory, create your dynamic price lists,
accept online bookings and take payment.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
16. What’s included in the accounts module?
Merlin’s accounting module has all the functionality of the best
accounting software with some specific industry features,
integration with your data, management fee billing, statement
delivery and commissions. It’s multi company and multi
currency.
What about reporting?
There is real time reporting with a choice of hundreds of free
industry-standard report templates. You can also build detailed
and bespoke reports tailored to your needs.
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
17. Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
Merlin Software was the first timeshare-specific software to
leverage the benefits of cloud computing – and is still the only
enterprise software provider that is 100% cloud based.
Resorts select Merlin Software for many reasons and having
access to cutting edge, cloud based technology is key. Who
wants old technology?
• 7/10 cloud users say it has delivered significant efficiencies
and cost savings
• Main reasons for buying cloud services include lower cost of
ownership, speed of deployment, savings on capital
expenditure
• By 2016 two thirds of workloads will be processed in the
cloud
18. Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
Five reasons you should choose Merlin Software
for Enterprise for your resort operation
1. One single software solution to run your entire operation
2. Cutting edge cloud based technology with free lifetime
upgrades – making sure you have the very best at all times
3. Extreme celebrity-style support and customer service –
providing a great customer experience is our goal
4. Developed by experienced resort professionals – we
understand your challenges
5. Provide your owners with real time online interactivity – it’s
what they expect
19. Resort analysis Go Live!
Merlin Software for Enterprise – the process
Frequently Asked Questions
Data
migration
from current
system to
Merlin
Online
system set-
up of your
resort
business
Online
system set-
up of your
reservations
Online
training and
support for
all users
Online
system set-
up of your
ownership
20. For further information on Merlin Software for
Enterprise, visit the Merlin website:
www.easymerlin.com
Click on the DEMO button to arrange your
online demonstration of Merlin Software.
Or contact Mike Ashton on:
mikea@quickmerlin.com
Merlin Software for Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions