ASP Solution Provides Global Reach for Travel IT

Media Release 17 December 2002

ASP Solution Provides Global Reach for Travel IT Specialists

Whether in London or Singapore, international business travelers will soon be only a click away from their corporate travel provider thanks to an ASP network solution that’s extending the reach of the award-winning travel software package, Serko Online.

Corporate travel IT specialists Gullivers Online and Serko Technologies Limited have contracted Telecom to trial an ASP solution that will enable travelers to access an intelligent travel search and booking engine across a secure online network from virtually anywhere in the world.

Chief Executive of Gullivers Online and Serko Technologies, Kathy O’Connor said the ASP solution will allow the company to expand the reach of its products free of geographical or logistical constraints and without costly investment in bricks and mortar infrastructure or computer hardware in other countries.

The solution, built around GDC’s iVASP (Integrated Application Service Provider) package, hosts software at a centralised data centre, providing customers with access over data networks while receiving day-to-day management and support.

Ms O’Connor said although the trial was for two months, she expects it will prove to be a long term solution for the company’s customers.

“This approach means we can globalise our product without comprising its delivery,” she said.

It’s also an approach that offers profound benefits to Serko customers.

“The corporate traveler can access the most up-to-date information available while on the run, make bookings and print itineraries, vouchers and e-ticket information.

“These functions are then integrated into a company’s expense management and financial reporting systems, producing significant cost savings.”

Chris Quin, General Manager Telecom Advanced Solutions says this approach demonstrates the value of the ASP model to ambitious New Zealand enterprises.

“The managed distribution of application software from the core of the network is a cost efficient means of managing business growth while minimising the risks often associated with expansion, especially compared with the DIY approach,” Mr Quin said.

“This is part of a growing trend as the convergence of information and communications technologies enables businesses to better align their IT spend with business outcomes. Combining the right applications and the network can result in powerful solutions for end users.”

Owned by Gulliver Pacific Groups’ Andrew Bagnall and developed by Interactive Technologies, Serko Online received Microsoft’s Asia Pacific E-commerce award in 2002 as well as this year’s Trans Tasman XML Web Services award.

Ends

Background Information

About Gullivers Online and Serko Technologies

The travel software arm of travel providers Gullivers Pacific Group Limited, Gullivers Online and Serko Technologies develops and markets a range of travel search, booking and management systems for travel providers nationally and internationally under the Serko brand.

About Telecom Advanced Solutions

Employing 335 IT and telecommunications professionals, Telecom Advanced Solutions resides at the core of Telecom’s business, reflecting the company’s commitment to a solutions-oriented approach. Telecom Advanced Solutions combines world class information technology expertise with Telecom’s communications platforms, delivering end-to-end ICT solutions that meet the needs of New Zealand businesses. This goal is part of a broader Telecom vision that recognises the increasing inseparability of information and communications technology.

About iVASP

iVASP is an ASP service developed by GDC Communications Limited, who recently entered into a contract with Telecom to supply ASP services to its customers using the iVASP service and infrastructure. Under the arrangement, Telecom customers will benefit from a wide range of IT services, including software applications, IT support and remote data storage – supported by iVASP server hardware, routers, switches, firewalls and systems.

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