Airline software specialists IBS launches SmartCargo at ACF in Bilbao- A web-based solution for airline cargo managementWritten by Pradeep P. Suthan
Bilbao, Spain – September 15, 2004 – IBS Software Services (IBS) today launched its new-generation Cargo solution – SmartCargo at TIACA’s 22nd International Air Cargo Forum and Exposition here in Bilbao. SmartCargo is a web-based solution that comprehensively meets needs of core cargo operations of airlines.SmartCargo is an effective tool for cargo capacity management, tracking, pricing, AWB stock control and ULD management. It enables accurate estimation of available cargo capacities using historical information, increases revenue through better management of available capacities, maintains integrated cargo tariffs helping airlines to price their services better. It provides up-to-the-minute information on shipment status and facilitates communication of shipment status to supplier/customer. It also gives customers direct access to airline services via Internet. Significantly, system minimises errors in data capture that translates into substantial savings in time and cost.Associated with launching of SmartCargo, Mr. V K Mathews, IBS Chairman and Managing Director was all praise for team that came up with this innovative product. He said, “SmartCargo is a futuristic solution that supports integrated management of cargo reservations and ground operations of modern cargo carrying airlines. Built on technologies that offer scalability, it can be customised to meet current and future business needs”. SmartCargo is a product that has understood needs of airline cargo industry and has delivered a very user-friendly solution.Whilst SmartCargo is capable of interfacing with a multitude of airline systems, it also facilitates in providing information to Departure Control, Load Balancing, Revenue Accounting, Financial Accounting, Passenger Reservation and Customs. Peter Cefai – (COO, IBS-Europe) said, “With this launch of SmartCargo, IBS has established itself as a new generation cargo and logistics solutions provider. In fact, IBS has combined domain vision and path-breaking ideas with technology expertise and domain experience, to create a cost-effective solution to solve business challenges of today and tomorrow”.IBS recently partnered with Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS), a division of Cendant Corp. for marketing of IBS’ new generation Passenger Services System designed to replace legacy technologies. IBS domain expertise was key to implementing a sophisticated new generation cargo terminal operations system for Emirates Group and implementing a comprehensive mail management system for Qantas Freight.
| | A New DVD Format WarWritten by Roger Faraway
Just when you thought it was safe to buy a nice new all-singing all dancing DVD player/recorder, along comes a new format war to add to an already confusing marketplace.Once original DVD standard settled down, DVD players quickly became one of most successful consumer items of all time. The new format revitalised home entertainment market, and hardware manufacturers benefited both directly and indirectly, as enthusiasts clamoured to buy bigger and better televisions and sound equipment to get best from their new DVD players. Then came recordable DVD, but problem, as is so often case, was that there were a number of different recording standards, all of them incompatible. It was just like Betamax versus VHS all over again. Now low-cost multi-format recorders supporting all standards are hitting streets, recording problem is becoming less of an issue, and so one could be forgiven for thinking that’s end of format wars. But technology has a habit of advancing at a relentless pace, and now a new battle is set to commence. The hi-tech companies are fighting it out to establish standard for next-generation “high capacity” DVDs. Higher capacities will allow for even better picture and sound quality than existing standard, and will become more popular as high definition televisions really start to take off. There
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