Richard Bristow - Technology

Travel Technology Show

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:18:01 GMT

Another Travel Technology Show has come and gone.

It is hard work but well worth the opportunity to meet old friends as well as making new ones. This year really showed that Tour Operators are taking web browser based systems to heart! Interest in MARS was higher than ever, many people said that they had heard excellent reports about the software. News of our win at the WTM/Travelmole Technology awards has obviously spread.

We were showing many new features this year, items like VOIP phone integration, enhanced email and tasks (queues) were very well received. Probably the most exciting business advance shown anywhere at the show (in my opinion) was our SQL Server 2005 reporting module. We were able to show potential customers the enormous advantages of the new reporting engine, which allow MARS users to provide virtually any type of management report. These include minute to minute comparisons of internal and on-line bookings showing (for example) bookings from affiliates and on-line sources such as google referrals.

VOIP VOIP and more VOIP

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 15:45:55 GMT

At the TTI conference on 19th September 2006 much was made of the use of communications technology i.e. telephones etc in the Travel Industry. By coincidence Mach Associates released the latest version of the MARS reservations software for Tour Operators, on the same day.

SO WHAT you say!! Well the WHAT is for users of MARS! They now get (FREE) integrated access to Voice Over IP (VOIP) services from the reservations and administration system so they can speak to their customers for FREE on the Internet. WHAT a BARGAIN!! Featured systems include SKYPE and .MSN messenger.

But the good news doesn't finish there, you can also send Video free as well. MARS already has in built email services but now users have the option of sending a Video clip to customers - or suppliers come to that - while they speak to them.

Can you have imagined that a few years ago while using your 'Legacy' system that cost hundred of thousands of Pounds??????? Today you get these features for nothing from a system that you rent WOW

Support from your software supplier

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:16:44 GMT

Mach Associates have introduced some really useful technology to support customers using their MARS Tour operator reservations software application. Using the latest technology means that customers not only get a dynamic reservations system at a very competitive cost but they get the benefit of vastly improved support for FREE!

WEBCASTS:

Sometimes called Podcasts by the BBC, allow presentations to be emailed to customers that show the features of the latest version of MARS. These Broadcasts (with full audio) demonstrate how new software works and how it interacts with the existing functions. Simple and easy!

Its a real time and money saver!

BLOGS:

Like this site, Blogs will allow Mach Associates to communicate with customers on a range of subjects - including support. A simple but interesting idea that builds on their existing web site that handles support issues and provides an audit trail and including a reference number for each item.

Like

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:52:45 GMT

Like everyone else (judging by the reaction on TravelMole) I was saddened to hear that Tapestry Holidays had ceased trading. Nick Wrightman has quite correctly been praised for his candour as to the reasons for his company's failure.

I think Nick has been rather hard on himself, partly blaming his own arrogance. I would say that any tour operator would find its self in the same state if an employee had done away with £1.5 million of their company’s money! Combine that with the current trading conditions and dynamic packaging – even if the former is caused by the latter – and you have a disaster on your hands.

It would be interesting to find out if said employee had wasted the money, in which case it was bad management or was it criminal in which case why was there no prosecution?

WHAT TO DO?

I am biased but I really think that proactive products combined with the latest technology are the only way forward for the travel industry. Dynamic packages are what the public want in one form or another; either selling components or packages that can be tailored to each travellers own requirements! Mach Associates Reservations Systems (MARS) does all this and more!!!

Once the products have been defined tour operators/travel organisations need the flexibility to sell them in an easy way that reduces their overheads and therefore improves margin. Customers also want choice (or volume as we like to call it), as we all know only too well it is the twin Gods of margin and volume that make profits!!!

It amazes me how many Tour Operators are still using tired old computer software and system to sell tired old products at a cost that can be crippling! To me the future is selling the core products that you are renowned for whilst adding extra volume by contracting with third parties like HotelConnect, GTA and Alpharooms (to name but a few) for accommodation and services that incur little overhead but can contribute vital extra revenue. These require a relatively simple XML link and need no allocations as they can be sold directly from the partners systems via your call centres and websites. All this does not need to bet your companies future on it!!!

Take it from me MARS is the best reservations system on the market! As I say I am biased, but I do know what I’m taking about!