20,000 Agencies to Benefit from Worldspan’s Internet Protocal Initiative

Travel technology provider and travel e-commerce leader Worldspan is investing in a multi-million pound programme to migrate all Worldspan-registered travel agents to Internet-based communication standards.

On completion, the global initiative will have moved nearly 20,000 Worldspan travel agencies around the world from their legacy communication systems to Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity. While Worldspan was the first GDS to bring IP connectivity to travel agents in 1998, its cost meant it was only affordable by large agencies. Now IP is far more competitively priced and therefore affordable for agencies both large and small.

The initiative will primarily benefit the vast majority of agents who use the popular Worldspan for WindowsSM suite of applications and also includes those who have their own terminal applications

Many agents still use legacy protocols such as X.25 for researching and booking travel fares and availability. Generally, these are more complex, slow and costly to use than the latest generation of Internet communication technologies (such as DSL) and PC-based technologies, so restraining competitive advantage.

Worldspan’s initiative stems from its market-leading experience in travel e-commerce and use of Internet technologies. Over half of all global online travel agency bookings are processed through Worldspan’s system, and the company also powers online travel brands such as lastminute.com, ebookers, Expedia and priceline.com. Faster, more efficient and secure Internet connectivity, according to Worldspan, is now highly affordable, scaleable, proven and growing in popularity in the travel industry.

“Worldspan’s global initiative will give travel agents more choice about what technology they use to look and book fares and other travel services, such as hotel, tour and car reservations,” said Graham Nichols, Worldspan vice president for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. “By moving agents from legacy protocols to an IP-based connection, we will give them far greater choice and flexibility in deciding what technology suits them best, be it DSL, Virtual Private Network, or Frame Relay connection. It’s their choice as to what is best for their particular business, not our’s, and that’s how it should be.

He added: “Many agents already work effectively and productively through an IP connection and enjoy more flexibility, choice and value which translates into more focused and profitable customer service. IP-based connectivity also lets agents get the most out of Worldspan’s large and growing portfolio of Internet-aligned products, and will give them added functionality and wider access to travel product inventories.”

IP connectivity will be delivered to agents through Worldspan’s Go!SM browser-based desktop PC platform which will replace the widely-used Worldspan for Windows suite of applications. Where the market requires it, Worldspan will deploy IP connectivity for messaging platforms and browser-based applications

Worldspan’s dedicated Internet Protocol provides the speed, capacity and security assurance needed in today’s highly competitive travel industry environment. Agents will connect with Worldspan, and its massive data farm holding millions of air fares and other travel products, through secure dial connection and a customised web browser.

Nichols pointed out that Worldspan’s IP connectivity will be compatible with agents’ own bespoke systems, third party terminal applications and other Worldspan platforms. He explained: “This is particularly important for larger agency operations, many of whom have invested substantially in developing customised front and back office systems. Our support teams are already working with such agencies to implement the required interfaces between our IP network and their systems.”

IP migration will generally take only a few hours to complete and involves either an upgrade of existing hardware typically used by agents or their adoption of their own preferred desktop hardware. For the typical Worldspan for Windows user being migrated to Worldspan Go!, the standard gateway PC will be removed and replaced by a router that will access Worldspan over IP.

The Worldspan Go! platform releases agents from PC technology restrictions, giving them the option of buying their own PC platforms that now offer highly affordable, enhanced performance and Internet functionality.

Worldspan will continue to provide innovative customer support for the IP initiative, including online e-learning modules.

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About Worldspan:
Worldspan is a leader in travel technology resources for travel suppliers, travel agencies, e-commerce sites and corporations worldwide. Utilizing fast, flexible and efficient networks and computing technologies, Worldspan provides comprehensive electronic data services linking approximately 800 travel suppliers around the world to a global customer base. The company offers industry-leading Fares and Pricing technology such as Worldspan e-PricingSM, hosting solutions, and customized travel products, including Worldspan Travel EnginuitySM. Worldspan enables travel suppliers, distributors and corporations to reduce costs and increase productivity with best-in-class technology like Worldspan Go!® and Worldspan Trip Manager®. Worldspan is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information is available at http://www.worldspan.com.

For further information, contact:
Blair Drummond or Lis Griffiths, Four Communications, Tel: +44 020 77 63 59 99/85, Email: [email protected], or [email protected]