KDS leads in Online Rail booking functionality

KDS, the leading provider of online business travel management solutions, demonstrates the most extensive train booking services in Europe.

With 10 years experience in travel technology and over 300 customers, KDS is well placed to understand how important an integrated SBT solution, including train options, is becoming to European corporate travelers. KDS first processed rail bookings in 2002 with SNCF, and such bookings are now an everyday activity for thousands of KDS users across the world.

“As other booking tools are struggling for visibility in Europe, the ability to book train is once again being used as a marketing differentiator. Some US tools have recently been promoting their future rail deliverables,” explains Jean-François Vergnangeal. “At KDS we have been quietly making progress in this area without fanfare.”

For the first time, KDS can release its train deployment timeline

UK Rail

• Dec 4th 2002 – KDS Chosen by ByRail (Eurostar)

By Rail, the Eurostar online booking company chooses KDS as its First Business Travel Online Reservation Partner to deliver UK rail. Byrail subsequently closed its operation in spring 2003. However, due to it’s excellent relationship with EuroStar and others in the sector, KDS was able to bring online a replacement solution through collaborations with SNCF and TheTrainline. UK rail is currently bookable from Europe using the KDS link to AccesRail.

• Dec 2002 Onward - KDS operational with Eurostar

KDS has an operational link to Eurostar. Intercontinental trains are fully integrated and available to book through the KDS Corporate interface. Customer uptake is swift and enthusiastic.

February 3rd 2004 - KDS Partners with The Trainline.com

The Trainline and KDS team-up to give Corporate users UK rail access. KDS and TheTrainline are now working together to deliver an initial link during Q3, 2004 - based on current access technology available from TheTrainline. Subsequently, KDS has contracted to implement improved services, exploiting the next generation XML technology - currently scheduled to be delivered by TheTrainline for 2005.

Other European Rail Access

• Sept ’02 – KDS becomes the first distribution partner of SNCF

KDS was the first travel management solution company to partner SNCF and to work hand-in-hand with the SNCF teams to enhance the online booking experience for corporate users. Several KDS Corporate and KDS Portal customers have been operational since 2003 and more are coming online all the time. Currently KDS is working on the SNCF next version of the RIVA access link for deliverables in the 2nd half of 2004 and 1st half 2005.

• March 10 2003 - KDS Provides German Rail with Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn available through KDS Solutions for online train reservations. KDS announced at ITB 2003 the access version to the BIBE system of DB.

• end 2003 - KDS Provides AccesRail access

KDS implements AccesRail capabilities, giving our customers access to Scandinavian trains bookings as well as other countries in Europe.

• March 15th 2004 - KDS Provides Full Deutsche Bahn Integration

KDS & Deutsche Bahn have extended their partnership to increase online services to German corporate travelers. KDS is providing full access to DB bookings through XML access to DB’s NVS system. KDS is currently working with DB to give access to trains outside Germany.

About KDS
KDS is a leading provider of online business travel management solutions. The company's award-winning applications and services enable organizations to reduce costs and increase productivity by automating business travel processes. Leading companies and business travel service providers use KDS's innovative software to efficiently plan and book travel via the Internet. KDS Solutions are based upon time-tested technology and provide direct access to global GDSs and travel suppliers. KDS customers include Accenture, Autodesk, BP, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Galileo, Gray Dawes, Henkel, IPG, Novartis, and Shell. Founded in 1994, KDS maintains offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Additional information about KDS can be found on the Web at www.kds.com.