| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 66 |
| Copyright: Other |
Technology
Industry keeps pace with Web revolution
Modern systems give trade more flexibility
So fast is the pace of change in technology that keeping up with the latest developments in the travel industry has become a full-time job.What seemed revolutionary even two years ago is now becoming out of date as faster, more sophisticated systems come onto the market.
One of the biggest changes in the past 12 months has been the way traditional booking systems have been redeveloped to bring them into the 21st century.
Viewdata, for example, has defied all the predictions by systems specialists of its imminent demise because so many agents have it and so many are used to using it. So what we are seeing now is that technology companies have taken viewdata and created a Web interface for it. Agents can continue to use it, but they can also give their clients access to search its content through the agency Web site. If the client then makes a booking, the commission is credited to the retailer.
Computer reservation systems selling scheduled airlines are still used by the vast majority of business agents.
However, in recent years the CRSs have managed to penetrate the leisure market by increasing their product range to include hotels and car hire.
The CRSs offer live, last seat availability and published fares which are instantly updated. All of them are also developing Web products to increase the functions on offer to agents.
Away from the Web, speed and efficiency have been the key words in the development of reservation and management software as the latest products not only give agents fast access to operators’ booking systems using Internet Protocol technology, but also enable them to search more than one operator database at once.
Best Computer Reservation System
Vote for the Best Computer Reservation System (CRS) that helps business travel agents serve their clients.
Go on-line: more and more agents are using the Web to search for information