QUESTION; What is Viewdata ?
'Viewdata', sometimes also referred to as 'Prestel' or 'Videotext' is an all encompassing
term used to describe the means by which a huge variety of information has been accessed
and retrieved electronically since its introduction almost 20 years ago. This information
is usually live and in the case of travel enables bona fide agents to search for
availability, make reservations and confirm travel bookings with tour operators and
airlines should they so desire. Dedicated Viewdata terminals such as the SONY
range have integral software and a built-in modem alleviating the need for potentially
complex installation and set up procedures sometimes associated with computers enabling
even the first time users to be 'on line' within minutes of unpacking their terminal.
QUESTION; Why use Viewdata ?
It is widely acknowledged that VIEWDATA as a
format will continue to be the mainstay means of CRS (computerised reservation system) for
many years to come despite the growth of the Internet.
QUESTION; What is Viewdata
PC 'emulation' ?
Software which allows a computer to act like (i.e. 'emulate' the functions of) a dedicated
Viewdata terminal with the added advantage of increased connection speed and
mass storage and manipulation of the information generated . Software
programs such as
WORKMATE enable a travel agency computer to autodial directly into the welcome
screen of a chosen supplier such as Thomson Holidays then automatically send the
relevant ABTA (or Account) number followed by the requisite unique ID (provided by
the supplier to identify you when you log on) and the User Reference (ie clerks initials).
Furthermore agents can in a matter of seconds log seamlessly from the current supplier
system to another without dropping the network connection. See SOFTWARE
OPTIONS for more information.
QUESTION; Do I need a dedicated phone line for Viewdata?
No, a dedicated phone line in the first instance is not strictly essential for your
VIEWDATA access. The terminal or PC can share an existing telephone line much like
a fax machine. However any incoming call would similarly be greeted with a fax type tone
whenever you were 'on-line'. It is similarly feasible for a VIEWDATA terminal
or PC to share a
dedicated fax line until such time as your utilisation of the system justifies a third
line.
QUESTION; Do I need a printer for a Viewdata terminal?
A A printer enables you
to keep a permanent hard copy record of a confirmed booking or provide your
client with the results of an availability search.
PC Users utilising WORKMATE PC emulation
software can print the current live
Viewdata screen or the entire contents of a Viewdata memory file to a single A4 page
via any printer they currently have installed in their Windows operating system exactly as
they would in any Windows application.
QUESTION; What does it cost to use a Viewdata terminal ?
Information providers such as FASTRACK and X-TANT (Istel) make their
revenue from the airlines, tour operators etc. who use their respective Viewdata Networks
as 'Gateways' so agenys can access their travel reservation systems to
search and book holidays 'live' on line. Calls charged at local 0845 rates.
It
should be noted however that it is at the discretion of individual suppliers whether
they restrict entry to their database to members of recognised trade
organisations such as ABTA or the Travel Trust Association.
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