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.