Sabre has launched Sabre eMergo, a new application service provider (ASP) that will expand access to its software products and solutions by simplifying delivery - making them more affordable for small to medium-sized carriers and travel suppliers.

Previously, Sabre only offered core reservations, departure control, flight
operations, and cargo products via an ASP platform. With the introduction of eMergo, carriers will have access to 17 of Sabre’s best of breed technological solutions, 24-hour data centre support, and fewer complications than running an internal system.

Over the next two years, Sabre plans to enhance more than 30 applications, from planning to operations to decision support, which will add even greater breadth and depth to the existing product suite. Most products offered within eMergo are web-enabled and provide users with secure
access for a pre-defined, user-based fee.

eMergo is part of the company’s previously announced shift in strategy
for its Outsourcing and Software Solutions business unit. The company plans
to invest approximately £28 million ($40 million) in its software suite, over the next two years. With over 40 years of experience in providing IT
solutions, Sabre is now able to deliver its unmatched industry knowledge and operational expertise to a much larger audience than before.

Joseph Saliba, acting president, Outsourcing and Software Solutions for Sabre, said: “Sabre is very enthusiastic about this new strategy and approach of offering our best of breed software solutions to small to
medium-sized carriers - which represent over 400 airlines with an overall IT spend of nearly £1.5 billion.

“Over the next two years, part of our £28 million investment will further enhance, integrate, and tailor our product suite to our existing and new market segments. The launch of eMergo is our first step towards approaching this strategy.

“We anticipate that the investments we’re making in our software solutions will generate significant revenues over the next five years.  Companies in the travel industry are looking for competitive advantages. By using Sabre as a partner, we believe that we can offer those advantages by helping
them reduce costs and improve efficiencies. We are committed to developing
the most advanced technological solutions that provide the travel industry
with the competitive advantages they are seeking.”

Industry analysts anticipate that the ASP market will grow
significantly in the next few years. According to International Data Corporation (IDC), an information technology research firm, companies spent £16 million ($23 million) in 1998 to have another party host their applications. IDC predicts that the number will reach £1.4 billion ($2 billion) by 2003 with entire IS outsourcing topping £104 billion ($151 billion) driven
largely by small to medium-sized companies.

Sabre is the global leader in applying information technology to meet the needs of the travel and transportation industries with advanced and innovative technology skills to deliver progressive solutions.

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