For the past decade, Smart Decision Guides have established themselves as the premier digital resources for IT decision-makers exploring next-generation technology solutions in various vertical markets. Produced by Starfleet Research, a global leader in benchmarking best practices for technology-enabled business initiatives, these guides offer independent, comprehensive insights to help professionals in the hotel, restaurant, retail, and healthcare sectors make well-informed technology decisions.

Each Smart Decision Guide provides current information on the latest technological innovations specific to each market, making them indispensable tools for anyone aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Our guides cover a range of topics with some, such as The Smart Decision Guide to Hotel Property Management Systems, The Smart Decision Guide to Hospitality Revenue Management, and The Smart Decision Guide to Restaurant Management and POS Systems, being updated annually. Others, like The Smart Decision Guide to Medical Practice Management Systems and The Smart Decision Guide to Retail Management and POS Systems, are refreshed less frequently.

The production of these guides is a meticulous process handled by our experienced market research, project management, and production teams. This process includes everything from project planning and survey-based research (survey design, deployment, and data analysis) to content development, graphic design, and final production. We are committed to an unbiased, objective, and non-promotional approach to content creation. However, we also tailor the content to subtly highlight each underwriter’s strengths, capabilities, and market strategies. Underwriters are invited to review drafts and provide feedback, ensuring the final product not only aligns with our standards but also fulfills their expectations.

Participation in the Smart Decision Guide program allows solution providers to showcase their thought leadership, enhance brand visibility, and generate high-quality leads. Limited to five solution providers per guide, participants are guaranteed a specific number of qualified leads over a set period, tailored to their target prospect criteria. Additionally, underwriters receive a custom licensed version of the guide for their own marketing use.

By joining this program, solution providers gain excellent brand exposure and connect with potential customers efficiently and effectively. The credibility associated with the Starfleet Research brand means that Smart Decision Guides typically generate more and higher quality leads than other content assets, including those produced internally by solution providers or through other programs in the market. 

This effectiveness is reflected in our 80% year-over-year sponsorship renewal rate over the past decade, with participants including eight of the top ten largest hospitality technology solution providers and three of the top five largest healthcare IT solution providers by revenue. This track record underscores the value and impact of the Smart Decision Guides in the technology solution marketplace.