Mike Ashton is set to join the ‘True Value of Data’ panel at the upcoming GNEX 2014 Industry Leaders conference.

The high-profile industry event, known as the Global Meeting of Minds, happens from February 9 – 12 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Sarasota. The panel will take place on February 12.

In a world that is currently focused on the concept of ‘Big Data’, Mike and his fellow panelists will share with delegates their thoughts on the importance of data today.

They will discuss what data is, how can it can be captured, analysed and converted into actionable results by every department in today’s timeshare business. The panelists will also look at how data is used by different industries, and, if vacation ownership can learn from them.

Also on the GNEX panel are Bob Kobek and Drew Reynolds and moderated by Paul Mattimoe.

Merlin Software is also hoping to repeat its success of 2012 and be voted Best Technology again at the Perspective magazine awards, which take place at the end of the conference.

Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership, is the leading provider of cloud-based enterprise software for the vacation ownership industry.

Developed as state of the art business application software, Merlin is the only complete enterprise timeshare software system to be cloud-based and served over the Internet on demand using the SaaS model (Software as a Service). Users access their Merlin accounts securely via a web browser anywhere with an Internet connection.

Merlin’s front to back functionality includes marketing, sales, front office, property management and back office modules and website integration for members and prospects. This form of software as a service (SaaS) helps businesses become more efficient and productive and makes bringing new products and services to market faster and easier.

The technology platform for Merlin consists of a Microsoft SQL Server database back end with the front end built using Active Server Pages (Browser Front End). As Merlin is served over the Internet there is no requirement for any expensive communication links or set up fees and can be accessed from wherever there is an Internet connection.