Travelport is to work with independent software developers to help speed up the introduction of new applications for use by its 67,000 travel agency customers worldwide.
Travelport reveals third-party developer programme
Travelport is to work with independent software developers to help speed up the introduction of new applications for use by its 67,000 travel agency customers worldwide.
The new dedicated developer programme will offer extensive commercial, technical and support benefits to approved members.
The Travelport Developer Network for third party developers provides members with access to key software resources, dedicated help and support and an entry in a new developer directory.
The news comes after rival GDS Sabre announced the launch of its own ‘app store’ to create a global marketplace for certified developers to create new product for use on the Sabre platform.
More than 20 independent software developers, including Dolphin Dynamics, Rearden Commerce and flextrip, have signed up to the network ahead of its official launch at the PhoCusWright conference in Miami next week.
Membership includes access to the Travelport Universal API providing access to extensive content and functionality through a single API connection.
Travelport tools will continue to be built on “open standards technology,” so developers can work in the environment of their choice and build applications that easily integrate with the company’s existing databases and technologies.
Members will next year gain access to the Universal Desktop Software Development Kit (SDK), claimed to create new opportunities for developers.
“The extensive configurability can be further enhanced to meet agency needs with custom activities incorporated into workflows, shopping and booking from blended GDS and non-GDS content, and custom pop-up widgets with anytime access,” Travelport said.
Chief marketing officer Gilliam Gibson said: “Working with independent software developers is not something new for Travelport, but this new dedicated network really emphasises our commitment to work even more closely with the developer community.
“Partnering for innovation perfectly complements and builds on our global product strategy and takes full advantage of the leading technology we have already developed such as the Travelport Universal API and the Travelport Universal Desktop.
“By working more closely with talented developers and enhancing our already strong relationships, we will be very well placed to offer the best possible applications to our travel agency customers worldwide.”
She added: “The focus on creating leading solutions is core to developers’ business and for many this leaves little time for other essential activities, such as lead generation, marketing and advertising.
“Because the Travelport Developer Network addresses this challenge, providing our developers with a single access point to our extensive content and agency network, along with providing technical support, it is indeed a win-win-win for developers, Travelport and our joint customers.”
