Orbitz's Supplier Link creates little stir among agents, competitors. (In the News).(Global Distribution Systems Inc. contract with Orbitz.com)(Brief Article)

Travel Agent, August, 2002 by Michels, Jennifer; Shannon, Darren

WASHINGTON--Orbitz finally ended months of speculation over its planned direct supplier technology with the unveiling Aug. 19 of Supplier Link, a system that allows the online portal to access supplier inventory directly from the source. Yet, despite anti-Orbitz sentiment throughout the industry, the company's latest announcement had little effect on the trade. Online competitors even applauded Orbitz's technological ability, while the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) reverted to long-held arguments about Orbitz's preferential treatment by suppliers.

Supplier Link has been years in the making, and the system does not change either the inventory supplied to Orbitz or the way the travel portal sells to the consumer. In principle, the new system simply lets...

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