Microsoft Corp., Travelport Team Up to Help Industry

Microsoft Corp. and Travelport said they are teaming up to develop an integrated set of services targeted for the travel industry to address challenges faced by travelers, suppliers, and travel agents. Microsoft and Travelport will explore the development of services designed to improve the traveler experience. They will provide airlines, travel suppliers, and travel agencies, including travel management companies (TMCs) and online travel agents (OTAs), with new revenue and cost reduction opportunities. This includes broader distribution reach and improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. The services are slated for the first-quarter of 2009.

“In bringing together Microsoft’s rich, interactive technologies with Travelport’s deep marketplace of travel content and informed choice, we are creating a completely innovative solution for the travel industry," said Geoff Cairns, worldwide managing director, Hospitality, Microsoft. "This will improve the traveler experience with a new level of personalization and change how suppliers, TMCs, and OTAs reach travelers.”

This engagement builds on a history of Microsoft and Travelport working together on innovative technology solutions in the travel space. Previously, the two companies have collaborated to create groundbreaking solutions, such as Travelport’s e-Pricing shopping technology, which was originally developed for Expedia and now benefits all Travelport customers, and Travelport Cache Control, which was developed with Microsoft. Travelport also provides the Microsoft corporate travel booking solution.

In the travel industry, Microsoft is focused on helping airlines and service providers deliver a highly personalized travel experience across all channels and from all devices. This includes helping service providers to better identify travelers, understand their individual preferences and needs, and build a strong emotional connection through all stages of travel.