IBS Revamps Passenger Reservation System For MSC Cruises

Online, September 24, 2010 (Newswire.com) - IBS Software, a leading IT solutions provider to the travel, transportation & logistics industry, has successfully completed Phase 1 of upgrading its Cruise Partner™ passenger reservation system in one of the world's foremost cruise companies, MSC Cruises. Under the multi-million Euros deal between IBS and MSC, the system is to be upgraded in four phases to be completed by 2012. The IBS upgrade, named MSC BEE, uses the latest technology to enable the reservation process for the Company's entire fleet via the web with customized interfaces for consumers, travel agents and tour operators. The upgrade will give MSC a modern reservation & inventory management system with all the required functionalities and business rules. Underpinned by cruise specific booking flows, the new system will provide MSC the flexibility to introduce product and pricing changes quickly, improved operational efficiencies and critical control of the business. The first release also modernizes the business data set up process, saving set-up costs and providing a custom workflow that can be adapted to structure changes while ensuring centralized communications and transparency for all stakeholders.

Headquartered in Geneva, MSC Cruises is the world's fourth largest cruise operator with operations in Europe and America. It is the leader in the Mediterranean cruise market, sailing in the region throughout the year.

Cruise Partner™, used by major brands like Louis Cruises and Star Cruises, distinguishes itself by its supreme versatility and scalability - with clients ranging from small, niche players to mega cruise lines. Every level of operational detail is factored into the system; from interchangeable cabin configuration to variable segment embark/disembark pricing, to rules engine-based discounts and commission structures.

"As the world's fourth largest cruise operator, MSC Cruises is committed to continual improvement in everything we do, and it stands to reason that new technology is part of that core mission. MSC BEE reservation management system is going to be a significant help to make our booking process more flexible and efficient. This achievement is certainly due to the close teamwork between MSC's and IBS' technicians, all driven by a shared dedication to excellence. A long way still needs to be done to have the fourth phase of the project implemented, but we entrust IBS' professionalism and experience to turn this challenge into success" said Giuseppe Flammia, Chief Information Officer, MSC Cruises.

"Successful completion of Phase 1 of the MSC BEE project is a step towards delivering an enhanced customer experience and will play a pivotal role in helping MSC achieve their target of having over 2 million sailing passengers per year in the very near future. We are sure that our re-engineered solution underscores IBS' expertise in new-generation technology and our ability to deliver large and complex projects." said VK Mathews, Chairman & CEO, the IBS Group.

About MSC

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world (fleets of four ships or more), comprising eleven ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia (the largest ships ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. MSC Magnifica, the newest ship in the fleet, was launched in March 2010. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean and South and West Africa. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both onshore and onboard. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and as a responsible market leader believes in making a positive impact in the regions where it operates. To this end, the company recently forged a partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education.

About IBS
IBS is a leading global provider of new generation IT solutions to the Travel, Transportation and Logistics industries. A specialist in the domain, IBS offers a range of products and services that manage mission critical operations of airlines & airports that help them increase safety, maximize efficiency, improve revenue, manage growth and reduce costs. SEI CMMI Level 5 and PCMM Level 5 assessed, ISO 9001:2000, TickIT and ISO 27001:2005 certified, IBS operates from 10 business centers in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. More information on IBS is available at www.ibsplc.com
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