Travel Agent - March 3, 2008 - (Page 74)

BUSINESS OPER ATIONS TECHNOLOGY Revelex Revolution Tech firm’s deal with American Express affirms its status as a major provider for travel industry BY GEORGE DOOLEY WITH THE NEW AGREEMENT BETWEEN AMERICAN EXPRESS CONSUMER TRAVEL NETWORK AND REVELEX to develop a technology platform, Revelex has emerged as a major force in travel technology. For the company’s CEO and founder, David Goodis, the deal with a travel industry powerhouse like American Express helps realize his vision of Revelex as a leading tech provider. “Our goal will be to exceed American Express’ expectations,” Goodis says of the new agreement, which will develop systems to allow agents at all locations— including at-home, call centers and American Express offices—to book travel faster and more efficiently. “Today’s travel agents—leisure or corporate, brick-and-mortar or home-based— all clearly benefit from technology. It’s changed how we do business, serve clients, interact with suppliers and communicate and compete,” Goodis says. Benefits Effective use of technology can also help agents compete with online travel sellers, he believes. “Agents are benefiting from years of high-risk investment in technology and more than a few failures,” notes Goodis. “But the net gain is affordable, easy-to-use systems that enable agents and suppliers to deliver results.” Goodis predicts that while fewer new technology companies will enter the industry due to cost barriers and long lead Origins times, the existing technology firms, inAfter a career in the securities industry, cluding Revelex, will continue to innovate Goodis founded Revelex in 1999. He saw and enhance their systems—especially the beneficial impact that technologies network-wide systems. used by Wall Street financial companies Huge technology issues loom, however. had on the travel industry. Thus, Revelex This includes safety and security of sysand its signature Power Agent desktop tems and data, as well as integration of were created. large, complex multi-user, multi-product From the beginning, Goodis aimed networks. The role of technology has gone to empower agents and travel industry beyond simple booking or accounting tools Revelex offers a wide range of travel industry support suppliers with technology that simplifies to fully integrated, one-desktop customer booking. And, as in the case of American relationship management (CRM) systems. Express, to increase agent productivity, reporting and effectiveness. Goodis also predicts that Revelex will be on the cutting edge of With American Express, Revelex will leverage its expertise to develop innovation in technology, and he welcomes inquiries by travel agents an integrated consumer travel desktop that will allow American Express and industry suppliers on the full range of services Revelex offers. “We agents to book airlines, car rentals, hotels and cruises in one applicacan develop new customized technology solutions that work, including tion. The system will be rolled out early in 2009. cruise, group and tour sales and support options,” he says. “New tech“We will be able to combine all the functionality needed by Amerinologies will give travel agents the means to compete, improve client can Express travel agents into one easy-to-use and easy-to-learn services and ensure profitability.” desktop tool,” Goodis tells Travel Agent. “This will enhance efficiency For more information, see www.revelex.com. I productivity and, ultimately, profitability.” Revelex now works with a host of travel industry players, includCONNECTING YOU ing Vacation.com and Ensemble Travel. It partners with Carnival and For more ideas on how technology can help your business, visit www.travel Seabourn cruise lines and major GDS systems, as well as both U.S. and agentcentral.com/tech international clients. 74 | TravelAgent March 3, 2008 http://www.revelex.com http://Vacation.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/tech http://www.travelagentcentral.com/tech

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Travel Agent - March 3, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Special Supplement: Planet Hollywood Florida: We Checkout Four Hotels in Key West, the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. Europe: Ruthanne Terrero’s Tuscan Adventure Pacific/Asia: Five-Star Hotels in Bangkok Las Vegas: Where Your Clients Go for Golf Outings Central & South America: Starwood Leads Expansion by Hoteliers in Latin America Pacific Northwest: The Fairmont Empress Celebrates its 100th Birthday this Year Alaska: Take a Tour of Anchorage Alaska Briefs Caribbean & Bahamas: La Romana in the Dominican Republic Offers Fun and Pampering Cruises: The Key to Success for River Cruise Lines Full Panama Canal Transits Cruise Briefs Cover Story: Hot Hotels Special Supplement: Spa Specialist Hotels: Venice Beach Eco-Cottages Hotel Briefs Auto Europe: Company Offers Competitive Prices and High Commissions Agency Profile: The Travel Society Charts a Course for Expansion Revelex Revolution: Deal with Am Ex affirms status as Major Provider in Travel Industry Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Volunteer Leadership Future of Hawaii’s Cruise Industry Panda Travel, USA Caribbean News In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - March 3, 2008

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