T-Direct, Inc., an application service provider (ASP), has developed the most expansive business-to-business (B2B) solution for the more than $100 billion private/managed business travel industry.  The application will be distinct from the current market offerings because T-Direct is integrating all of the value-added features, technologies, resources and e-commerce offerings into its online solution prior to its launch, a feat that has never been accomplished before in this market.

�The managed business travel market is metamorphosing. New technology is leading the way toward industry globalization. Suppliers are aggressively seeking ways to cut distribution costs, and end-users are demanding increased customer services and speed,� said Tonja Covington, chief technology officer of T-Direct, Inc.  �These demands are forcing radical alterations in both distribution and operations in the travel and tourism industry, and T-Direct is stepping up to the plate to satisfy the needs of the corporate travel community during this turbulent time.� T-Direct will not be an online travel agency. Rather, T-Direct will provide the latest in business travel software applications via an online, customized Web page that a corporation, or its preferred travel agency, may use for all of its travel and related functions.  

T-Direct is specifically launching:

• TREZ, a private-license booking engine being developed for compatibility with multi-airline global distribution systems (GDSes).  TRez will simplify business travel management by streamlining cost controls, identifying and tracking spending patterns, and enhancing record keeping.
• T-Direct.Com � a �value-add� to the TRez application�site will offer users a unique Web-based business travel community and aggregated buying resource center.  
• T-Directfolio, an online travel magazine that already provides travelers and travel professionals with exciting editorials and feature stories on the business travel industry in addition to instant information on the weather, airport delays, and hotel and restaurant reviews.

T-Direct is utilizing the most flexible and technically superior e-commerce platform available to deliver its solution to the business travel community.  The TRez application will exploit Broadvision technology to create the only online system that has neutral-network learning characteristics. In addition, Broadvision will allow users to experience a custom feel, based on their user habits, preferences and level of clearance in the system.  The software will also incorporate Extensible Markup Language (XML).  XML will allow T-Direct customers to have access to exchange structured data by supporting a variety of information devices, including personal computers, mobile phones and Internet-enabled handheld devices, such as the Palm Pilot.

T-Direct is entering the market at this time to establish itself as a cutting-edge travel technology ASP. T-Direct derives its name from the emerging technology know as �direct connectivity,� which will eliminate the information bottle-neck in travel booking and allow corporations to personally establish direct connections to all domestic and international airlines, hotels, ground transportation and land rail suppliers.  While T-Direct is actively working on a short-term solution to simplify managed business travel, the company has its eye on the future, and is committed to develop and run the premier B2B online travel management application using direct connectivity.
T-Direct offers complete online one-stop shopping for travelers and travel managers.