The Hindu Business Line : Cendant to promote IBS airlines passenger service product

IBS Software Services, a leading player in the travel, transportation and logistics domains, has entered into an agreement with Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS) to promote its iRes passenger services system (PSS) that will replace legacy systems in the airline industry.

Announcing this here, Mr V.K. Mathews, Chairman and Managing Director of IBS, said the deal represented the largest ever business contracted by it yet. An integrated, multi-hosting system, iRes will comprehensively address passenger reservations, inventory control, fares and ticketing, and departure control needs of commercial airlines.

``Our vision is to make iRes the industry system of the future for passenger carriers. To do that, we needed a big player in the industry. We believe Cendant TDS fills this role exceptionally well. The domain know-how, technological competence and resource strength of IBS, coupled with the global presence, customer base and credibility of Cendant TDS, will make our alliance a success,'' Mr Mathews said.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Flo Lugli, Senior Vice-President, Cendant TDS, said the air transportation industry is badly in need of a new generation system that would support the rapidly changing airline business processes and business models. With over 600 airline customers and a large portfolio of industry leading products and services, Cendant is firmly committed to providing best in class solutions to the travel and transportation industry. iRes will supplement and complement Cendant's products and services.

The industry currently depends on two core technological systems to manage its business - Passenger Services Systems and Cargo Services Systems. Both these core systems are legacy applications that have been developed over the last 40 years. As legacy applications, they have become very expensive to maintain and operate, and the support resources needed for them have become harder to find.