3. RATSLINK-WAB
RATSLINK, the web-enabled sister of RATS, is slowly picking up steam. The WAB (Web Airline Booking) is now available for subscription. Subscribers will only need to pay an annual fee for usage. The infrastructure will be provided by Systems Design based on ASP (Application Service Provider) model. However, the subscriber will be responsible for all the updates including promotions, fares, etc. The following paragraphs explain how WAB works.
The corporate traveler, or in-plant travel consultant or freelance agent will need to get access to the net and go to the RATSLINK.sysdgn.com.sg/WAB website. With the given login ID and password, the user will be able to make enquiry on CRS airline seat availability and perform booking.
After the booking, RATSLINK-WAB will send out 3 emails. One email is to the user making the booking. Another email is to the fulfillment travel agent. Another optional email is to the fulfillment travel agent back office computer via XML format.
There is no money collection involved as the fulfillment travel agent will be collecting the cash from the freelance agent or will be providing the credit to the corporate traveler when the ticket is collected or delivered depending on the prior arrangement.
The advantage of this B to B approach is that travel agents now have one more avenue of providing ticket sale with lesser manpower cost involved.