| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 10/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 51 |
| Copyright: Other |
X-tant plans
Lunn Poly to benefit from Web network
Report by JANE ARCHER
NETWORK providerX-tant is preparing an action plan to get an Internet-type private network installed in all 799 Lunn Poly shops by the end of the year.The network, which is currently only in one shop, will also be installed in Thomson call centres and the tour operator’s head office.
The move fulfils the first stage of a five-year contract between Thomson Travel Group and Worcestershire-based X-tant.
The contract is aimed at ensuring all the tour operator’s outlets provide consistent levels of service and information.
Thomson is investing £100m in systems and e-commerce over the next two years.
X-tant marketing director Kerry Wilce admitted it is a large logistical exercise to get each branch or office wired up without work being disrupted.
The private network uses the TCP/IP Internet Protocol but does not use the Web, which Wilce said was not secure and too unreliable. Access to the Internet will not be automatic but Wilce said links to specific Web sites could be added.
He said the new network will run alongside existing viewdata lines rather than replacing them.
“Lunn Poly travel agents still need access to tour operators on viewdata but as firms move away from that, Thomson will have the right network infrastructure in place,” Wilce added.
On-line success: celebrating the new deal, from left, are George Morris, network manager Lunn Poly; Mike Moore, director change management, Thomson Travel Group; and Daman Singh, MD, X-TANT