SideStep

has unveiled a more
powerful version of its popular travel search engine.

Extensive Q1 usability testing identified numerous opportunities for
SideStep to help travelers more easily uncover the best travel values. Based
on these customer insights, SideStep both added new capabilities and
streamlined its existing functionality. Key improvements include:

Turbo search

SideStep has been re-designed to be faster than ever. Based on a combination
of changes to both the user interface and core search technology, this boost
in performance will be particularly appealing to modem users. Now, whether
at work or at home, travelers can rely on SideStep to instantly survey the
Internet landscape as they search for flight, hotel and rental car bargains.

Hotels made simple

Searching for a hotel in an unfamiliar city can be both frustrating and
time-consuming. SideStep`s new hotel search makes finding an affordable
hotel in the ideal convenient location trouble-free.
Perfect fit

SideStep was designed to track down the best flight options from the
hundreds often available to and from major airports. Now, for customers who
want additional choices, SideStep makes it simple to see even more
alternatives. With a click of the search engine`s new “more flight options”
button, SideStep customers can expand their search to find just the right
flight.

With enhanced sorting capabilities, SideStep now enables customers to view
their results based on what matters most to them. For example, with a single
click, travelers can sort flights by price, number of stops, departure, or
return time.

“SideStep is known for its artful balance of functionality and ease of use,”
said Bailey Dalton, vice president, branded consumer products/iTravel for
investment bank C.E. Unterberg, Towbin. “There are few consumer technology
companies that consistently maintain that delicate equilibrium. Those that
do - companies like Google and Intuit, for example - are rewarded for it by
both customers and the market. As this latest version of their search engine
shows, SideStep manages this balance skillfully. And they are well on their
way to building the next big brand in online travel.”

“Customer input is always both enlightening and humbling,” said Brian Barth,
SideStep`s CEO. “We listen closely to what our users tell us, and this
latest version of our travel search engine reflects myriad suggestions minor
and major. We`re constantly driving to do more for our customers while
keeping things simple. The changes you`ll see in the new SideStep reflect
this design philosophy, and you can expect more such thoughtful changes from
us in the months ahead.”

Related stories on ITN:

(10/04/2003) SideStep Wins FORBES Best of The Web Award

(28/03/2003) Sidestep Offers Bodacious Bargains for Hooters Air

(18/10/2003) SideStep Announces Partnership With Europebyair

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