The innovative WizCom product will give maximum control and choice to hotel customers, and enable them to develop a distribution strategy that best fits their individual needs, unlike comparable electronic distribution solutions.  The IBM initiative incorporates IBM�s Advanced Communication System Access (ACSA) and Advanced Application Communication System (A2CS) for Windows NT© into the WizCom distribution platform.  The IBM ACSA / A2CS module will enable WizCom to provide a multi-hosted, Web-based Hotel Description (HOD) and Direct Reference System (DRS) multi-GDS updating product.  The agreement with Ensemble calls for the integration of the eStore product with the WizCom distribution platform to provide hotel customers a cost-effective option to expand their Internet distribution without going through multiple intermediary distributors or developing multiple proprietary interfaces. 

�WizCom�s goal is to be the definitive source of innovative distribution solutions for the travel industry,� said Flo Lugli, President of WizCom.  �We know that by working with world class companies such as IBM and Ensemble, we can build upon our industry-leading transaction processing and connectivity to provide products with features that continue to set the standard for the next level of travel distribution.� 

Central to the development of the IBM and Ensemble modules will be the development of a comprehensive property information and marketing database that will act as a single-point-of-entry-repository for property information.  This comprehensive database will give hotel customers complete control over their distribution information, and will provide the flexibility for them to choose where and what information is distributed.

�Hotel companies have told us of their need for a solution that offers greater choice and control,� said Lugli.  �The market wants a flexible distribution solution that allows them to choose any combination of GDS, Internet or corporate channels to maximize their business.�

Currently, most companies must maintain separate links to their various distribution channels, such as the GDSs, Internet, corporate Intranets and other distribution databases.  Updates to each system can be costly and time-intensive when hotel description, inventory and price adjustments need to be made.  The WizCom Distribution Strategy integrates access to information from multiple points all into one system, thus giving a hotel company greater control and choice to utilize channels that best meet their objectives. 

�We are excited to be working with WizCom to develop a comprehensive, full-featured travel distribution management product,� said Len Pelletiere, Travel Distribution Solutions Executive, IBM Travel and Transportation.  �Hotel Companies are increasingly looking for more ways to increase their exposure through new travel distribution channels.  IBM can build upon WizCom�s existing reliable GDS and Internet connectivity with a product that delivers a powerful, cost effective distribution management tool.� 

The WizCom-IBM component of the strategy is in development and will be available for distribution to lead customers by the end of the third quarter.  This initiative will provide hotel customers with an easy-to-use, Web based multi-GDS updating module for HOD and DRS information.  WizCom will host and transmit the hotel company�s HOD/DRS information simultaneously, all formatted to the specifications of the specific GDS.  WizCom plans to showcase the product at HITEC in Atlanta in late June. 

In a related agreement, WizCom also announced that hotel customers will have access to Ensemble�s eStore: a software solution for travel and hospitality companies that wish to electronically distribute and control their inventory anywhere on the Internet or on corporate intranets.  Currently, eStore helps leverage a hotel�s existing Internet business by enabling them to make their inventory and reservation system available to customers through any number of real-time electronic storefronts located at third-party Web sites.  As part of the agreement, Ensemble will develop a full interface into the WizCom property information marketing database and to the WizCom switch for processing of availability requests and reservations.  WizCom will be able to give its hotel customers direct access to interested customers anywhere on the Internet or corporate intranets without going through intermediaries, and allow the hotels to conduct interactive, electronic sales, marketing and distribution. 

�eStore will give WizCom�s hotel customers an easy way to boost their Internet distribution,� said Scott Heidegger, General Manager, Travel & Distribution, Ensemble Solutions Inc.  �We are excited about the opportunity to work with a company like WizCom that puts a premium on advanced technology.� 

Ensemble Solutions, Inc., a privately held e-commerce software company provides suppliers the ability to expand their electronic distribution channels while maintaining control over the distribution of their products.  Through the eStore product, suppliers can offer direct connections to their inventory and marketing information without long development cycles or the need for proprietary interfaces.

IBM's Global Travel & Transportation Industry Solutions unit provides a broad range of products, services and integrated solutions to all segments of travel and transportation, including airlines, hotels, other travel-related services, rail and freight logistics.  More information can be found at www.ibm.com/solutions/travel .
 

What is WizCom®? WizCom, the first switching service of the hotel and car rental industry, was founded in 1987.  WizCom provides Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and Internet connectivity, Central Reservations Systems (CRS) and information services to the hotel, car rental and tour industries.  As a wholly owned subsidiary of Avis Rent A Car System, Inc. from 1987 to 1996, WizCom used the framework of the highly regarded Avis Wizard® Reservation System to develop its suite of products.  WizCom is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendant Corporation and is the world leader in reservations transactions processing for the hotel and car rental industries.  What is WizCom's mission? Innovations: When it comes to technological development, WizCom has always been an innovator. WizCom's superior switch technology is a recognized industry leader. Our aim is to continue to provide the travel industry with leading-edge, reliable and cost-effective technology.  Solutions: Customer involvement and customer needs are the driving force behind WizCom's product development and business planning. WizCom is committed to developing solutions that meet the needs of our customers.  Connections: WizCom's business is about making connections in the travel industry that serve our customers well. Customer service is our number one priority.