Aarons 2006 Annual Report Download - page 13

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Department is comprised of network engineering, applica-
tions development, the technology help desk, data security
and a field support team that maintains the equipment in
all of our stores.
A network connects all Aaron’s stores to our data center,
which enables real-time processing and reporting. In the
past, only the store that created a customer agreement
could accept payments on that agreement. Our network
technology makes it possible for a customer to make
payments at any Aaron’s store, and customers appreciate
this flexibility. The network makes it possible for regional
and store managers to balance inventory across our stores
as well. We are also finding that many consumers visit
www.shopaarons.com, a site that generates hundreds of
leads each month.
We are constantly working on applications that enhance
customer service or improve our efficiency. We will open a
brand-new data center in Kennesaw, Georgia, in early 2007.
Growth is always a challenge, but at every decision point,
we ask ourselves if this technology solution can scale to
serve 5,000 stores. We feel confident that we are poised
to handle the growth.
Ed Quiñones
President, Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings Division
Years with Company: 22
The Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings division is the Company’s original business. Our customers now are
primarily corporations or third-party providers such as
insurance companies. In the past, we had to have stores
wherever we did business. Now we have regional offices
that can serve customers nationwide. We have national
accounts specialists who sell new accounts and service
existing accounts.
Efficiency