Press Release: 24k Gold Points
October 10, 2000
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- 24k Gold Points, the leading ``clicks and mortar'' loyalty company backed by global travel,
hospitality and loyalty marketing giant, Carlson Companies, Inc., has selected Datalex, WORLDSPAN and TRX to create
customized travel offerings for its new Web site, http://www.24k.com .
The comprehensive rewards-based e-commerce site enables consumers to plan and book travel, shop at more than 100
online retailers and find entertainment while earning Gold Points for each transaction.
The teaming of Carlson Companies' 24k Gold Points with Datalex, WORLDSPAN and TRX creates a world-class combination
of innovative leaders in the online and offline travel, hospitality and technology industries.
``We knew that we needed to enter the already crowded Web travel marketplace with a unique offering,'' said Murad
Velani, 24k Gold Points executive vice president and chief operating officer. ``Our partnership with three industry-leading
technology partners will enable us to provide 24k.com customers with extensive travel offerings, comprehensive
information and exceptional customer service that is customized for their interests and linked with 24k.com's shopping
and entertainment offerings.''
DATALEX, of Dublin, and 24k Gold Points have worked together to create an exclusive booking engine that combines
Datalex's technology with 24k Gold Points' ability to develop packages and customize content based on individual
customer interests and needs. Datalex provides the Host Access Server (HAS) and CORBA middleware interface component
that allows developers to build their own applications above it. The global company is the supplier of choice for
major airlines, Global Distribution Systems, travel vendors and travel agencies including American Airlines, AMTRAK,
British Airways, Carlson-Wagonlit Travel, Delta Air Lines and Worldspan.
WORLDSPAN, based in Atlanta, functions as the global distribution system (GDS) for 24k.com. 24k.com will utilize
WORLDSPAN to access air, car and hotel inventory around the globe. As the first GDS to interface with Datalex's
new Java-based booking engine, BookIt! Consumer, WORLDSPAN will help 24k.com deliver the most comprehensive travel
options to its customers.
TRX, also headquartered in Atlanta, is the largest customer service and fulfillment provider in the online travel
industry. TRX's proprietary software and leading edge processes will provide 24k Gold Points with turnkey backend
solutions that ensure 24k.com customers experience next-generation customer service and ticket fulfillment.
Currently, 24k.com offers customers the opportunity to search, price and book air, car and hotel accommodations
as well as create and book dream vacation packages. Unlike other e-travel sites, 24k.com gives its customers the
option to book online as well as offline via phone and retail locations. 24k.com also provides customers with the
added bonus of earning the Gold Points rewards currency for all purchases and the opportunity to redeem those Gold
Points for travel rewards.
Additional 24k.com travel section features include:
When fully functional this fall, 24k.com will offer its customers exclusive travel packages, internally negotiated
by 24k Gold Points travel experts and fully integrated with 24k.com's customization technology.
For more information, 24k logos and screen shots, please see the 24k Gold Points media Web site at http://www.24kmedia.com
SOURCE: 24k Gold Points