1. What are the AirKiosk system's functions?
The AirKiosk system is a fully functional reservations and inventory management application built for eCommerce, with integrated revenue management and full-journey passenger service support.
AT-A-GLANCE FUNCTIONALITY
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Control Functions |
MIS and Reports |
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Inventory Management |
Agent Statistics |
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Schedule Create and Change |
Sales Statistics |
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Fares |
Logs |
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POS Control |
Revenue Management |
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Control Display |
Ticketing (including electronic) |
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Sales and Reservations |
TSR (Ticket Sales Reports) |
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Booking File |
Agent Accounting |
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Schedule and AV Displays |
e Commerce |
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PNR Handling |
CRS/GDS Connectivity |
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Fares/Pricing |
POS Links and Management |
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Lists and Queues |
Legacy System Integration |
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Multiple User Interfaces |
Message Switching |
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Other Applications |
Other ecommerce applications |
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Check In |
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2. How does the AirKiosk system work?
The AirKiosk system is based on an N-tier, network-centric architecture over TCP/IP and the combined use of structured data, object and message-based databases. The AirKiosk system can run on multiple logical and physical servers. Processing power and data reside wherever they are most needed and cost-effective.
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AirKiosk System
Advantage |
Your
Benefit |
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Network-centric architecture |
- Reliability
- System management and maintenance
- Rapid application development
- Compatibility with multiple OSs
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Structured data, object and message-based databases |
- Response time
- Scaleability
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Component application servers |
- Shortened development cycles
- Maintenance ease
- Security
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Ability to distribute logical servers among multiple, physical servers in a network |
- System availability
- Reduced communications costs
- Security
- Tailoring of POS presentations to distinct user groups
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Ability to use commodity hardware products and a range of processor types and sizes. |
- Reduced hardware platform costs
- Scaleability
- Flexibility to use new technology as it becomes available
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Ability to integrate with legacy systems and access devices. |
- Investment protection
- Gradual migration capability
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3. Can the AirKiosk system help me if I already have a reservations solution?
Yes. The AirKiosk system's architecture is flexible enough to allow for
integration and cooperative implementations with other systems. This is
true whether you own your current reservation solution or are hosted on a
third party's system.
For example, you can use the AirKiosk system to make all, or selected parts,
of your master inventory available to points-of-sale which cannot access
your current host. The inventory available on the AirKiosk system is sold via AVS
Open/Close messages managed by your host.
You can also split your inventory, making selected parts available only
through the AirKiosk system and the points-of-sale you have designated for
AirKiosk system access.
There are multiple benefits of using the AirKiosk system with legacy solutions:
- Cost-savings on ATO/CTO sales for vendors currently hosted by a third-party.
- Fast, easy (and controlled) introduction of Internet sales to corporate
accounts, travel agents or consumers, or all of these segments.
- Protection of host resources from excessive, and often unproductive,
availability and fare "look ups" generated by Internet sites.
- Lower-cost distribution for special categories of inventory, such as
charter flight operations, tour/consolidator operator sales, or discounted
products.
These are just a few examples. If you have questions about a specific
implementation idea, let us know.
4. Is the AirKiosk system a "booking engine?"
The AirKiosk system can be used as a "booking engine,"
But, the AirKiosk system is not a "booking engine."
The difference is critical. Unlike "booking engines," the AirKiosk system has fully functional inventory management and integrated revenue management; booking file, ticketing and passenger handling functions, and supports sales through GDS/CRSs, ATO/CTOs and physical kiosks -- in addition to supporting Internet site-based sales -- all with POS control.
To understand more about the difference, download our White Paper "Death By Booking Engine".
5. What do I need to install the AirKiosk system at my site?
In addition to the AirKiosk system software, you will need:
Hardware
One or more servers, depending on your needs. We will help you size, specify and configure the hardware for your installation.
Software
Linux or IBM AIX operating system (most AirKiosk system installations run on Linux).
Standard browser software
Communications
Internet (ISP) connection
(For GDS and interline connections, you will need appropriate commercial agreements with those entities. The AirKiosk system provides for the physical links.)
6. Do I need any other software licenses?
NO. The AirKiosk system does NOT require that you license or use TP monitors, third-party DBMSs, MS Windows or other packaged software. All of the functions provided by these "extra layers" in other systems are built into the AirKiosk software.
7. Is there a limit to the transactions I can process with the AirKiosk system?
AirKiosk system software is scalable. Before you install the AirKiosk system, we help you specifiy the hardware to handle your expected transaction loads. If your transaction requirements grow, your AirKiosk system can grow too. We will help you determine and configure necessary hardware upgrades whenever you require them.
8. How do I get the AirKiosk system?
There are three options.
Ongoing License. A simple, ongoing license puts an AirKiosk system on your site. Monthly license payments are scaled to your volume of revenue passengers boarded (or rooms booked) and include full maintenance services.
One-Time License. A one-time license payment allows you perpetual on-site use of the AirKiosk system. Support and maintenance (including software upgrades) is contracted annually.
Hosted Service. If you would like to use the AirKiosk system without installing and operating it yourself, hosted services are available through Sutra partners.
9. What is involved in installation? How long does it take?
There are three steps to installing the AirKiosk system at your site, in most cases the entire process can take one month or less.
Hardware/Network Implementation. We help you with planning, specifications and configuration.
Software Implementation. We configure the AirKiosk software for your requirements, load your initial databases and install the system on your network.
Training. We "train the trainers" in three programs: Control Agents, General Sales Agents and System Administrators.
10. What support and maintenance is included?
We provide both online support and telephone support to our on-site licensees, including expert-level support for your control agents. You receive all AirKiosk software upgrades, delivered online. We also assist you with system expansions to handle increased transaction volumes.
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