IMMINUS is planning to improve its Internet-based viewdata system Endeavour by adding credit-card authorisation, search by date and ferry-booking facilities.
The new credit-card facility will allow agents to get authorisation on screen, rather than using a separate machine. Agents will be able to search for product by entering potential holiday dates into the system. In addition, they will be able to use Imminus’ own Merlin Ferry system, which is being incorporated into Endeavour, to book ferry tickets
The network supplier plans to roll out the changes to Endeavour within the next three months.
The system, aimed at independent agents, allows users to access both viewdata and the Internet via an extranet that is open only to the trade. Endeavour is faster than traditional viewdata and allows agents to access more than one operator at a time.
Imminus head of travel and leisure Keith Webber said it had already signed up 230 agents to the new system, which was launched last autumn (Travel Weekly November 1).
All new clients signed to the Imminus network have to take the Endeavour system. However, Webber wants existing clients to move on to it as well.
“It is much more efficient. It is modern technology,” he said. “I believe it is inevitable that the industry will move on to Internet-based technology.”
Imminus plans to showcase Endeavour to agents at a series of regional events kicking off in February. Venues include Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester. During the meetings, the company will also present details of the new digital interactive TV service that is due to be launched by its parent company Telewest at the end of March. Travel content providers will include First Choice, Thomas Cook, Cosmos, Hertz and British Airways.