800 Travel Systems Launches Internet Reservation System

800 Travel Systems Inc. launched its Interactive Reservation Internet System (IRIS), a new Internet travel solution on its Web site that allows registered members to reserve airline tickets with the assistance of a trained travel agent.

IRIS capitalizes on various interactive Internet technologies, the company said, and runs on IBM's flagship high-end application server, allowing the application to quickly scale up to help 800 Travel Systems to meet anticipated demand.

"We are happy to announce that the testing phase for the first version of IRIS was a success," said Mark D. Mastrini, president and CEO of 800 Travel. "Our testing included members of the general public and allowed for real reservations to be made. Today we have begun to invite the general public to use our Internet services. . .We will be activating members in a first come, first serve fashion. The response from the pilot phase has been extremely positive."

800 Travel said it included an option allowing users to provide their travel itinerary when all Internet agents are busy. One of its call center agents will then call the customer back with suggested flight plans. Exodus Communications is hosting the site.

800 Travel Systems, one of the 100 largest independent travel agencies in the U.S., provides low-priced airline tickets via "800-LOW-AIR-FARE" (800-569-2473) AND "800-FLY-4-LESS" (800-359-4537) in addition to its online reservation system.