Travelsoft, a provider of reservations software and service on the Internet for the tourism industry, has signed a deal with Internet Service Provider (ISP) Satellite Data Networks (SDN), to speed up connectivity of its on-line travel agency, with the help of SDN`s international satellite link.
Among other things, Travelsoft has developed an on-line real-time reservation system for independent accommodation establishments. The firm`s MD, Clive Hays, says that the Internet is growing at an incredible rate and travel information retrieval and particularly travel reservations over the Internet are increasing in popularity. "Infact, it is estimated that over 37 million travelers used the Internet for trip planning in 1998 and it is predicated that some 65.5 million trips will be booked using the Internet in 2003," he says.
"The aim of Travelsoft`s service is to facilitate efficient, fast on-line, real-time electronic trading for individuals and travel agencies," he says. "This has been achieved with SDN`s Internet capacity which is supplied via its high speed 45 MB direct satellite link to Washington DC."
"With fast connectivity, the time it takes for bookings to be made and confirmed, in real-time, are less, and it also quickens the payment of the reservations to the organisation," explains Hays. "SDN`s guaranteed uptime of 98%, at very competitive prices and funding, ensures Travelsoft`s policy of securing on-line travel transactions. Users are now able to make reservations for airlines, accommodation and car rental companies in real time. Payments are accepted over the Internet in a secure environment and all reservations are confirmed immediately."
Hays explains that the SDN service facilitates a more cost effective option that the traditional way of completing bookings and confirming travel arrangements via fax or telephone, which can be costly, time-consuming and prone to human error. "By utlising our website, customers benefit from increased flexibility and greater accuracy of information and control," he adds.
In addition to the reservation service, Travelsoft focuses on the design and development of user-friendly Internet capable software for the tourism industry.
"Our aim is to provide our clients, customers and partners with benefits and solutions to make their business more efficient by taking advantage of the benefits of the Internet," says Hays. "In order to supply customers with the best possible service we are continually researching current reservations in the tourism industry and then developing innovational software."
SDN completed installation of its service within a week. "We are very happy with the speed and connectivity of the satellite service," adds Hays.
According to SDN`s MD, Antony Stafford, the reliability of SDN`s network is enhanced by its state-of-the-art equipment and its back-up and support service. "Our network is managed 24 hours a day by highly trained engineers and the result is centralised, remote monitoring with greater control and a faster response time."
Satellite Data Networks (SDN) was launched in October 1998 and is currently the only local Internet Service Provider (ISP) that has independently designed, implemented and managed a satellite facility for international Internet connectivity. By exploiting economies of scale, inherent in the 45Mb per second direct satellite link to Washington DC, it is commercially viable for SDN to guarantee a committed rate of data to all clients. Focusing mainly on the corporate market, SDN provides industry-leading value added network services, designed exclusively for businesses which have Internet requirements. This ability to provide guaranteed Internet capacity coupled with comprehensive business solutions, makes SDN the most cost effective ISP in the market today.
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