The new software, called Viewpoint, has easy to use icons and maps making it extremely user-friendly. From the Galileo stable, this software is being launched in a phased manner nationally.

"Fast, friendly and efficient, this software represents a completely new booking philosophy for the entire travel industry. The software was designed for travel agents with a view to increasing their efficiency and profits," says Raja Natesan, General Manager, Galileo India.

Viewpoint's point and click environment with drop down menus is far easier to understand and use than traditional formats and screen displays that normally require extensive training before an agent can become proficient. It increases accuracy by offering a defined set of options for many booking entries.Automatic checks at each step of the sales process improve quality, making it less likely that an important step will be missed. And the software is Year 2000 complaint.

The software is designed for use on 486 PCs and higher making it an option for the vast majority of agencies. Travel agents comfortable with traditional formats can access both Viewpoint and Focalpoint (the earlier software) on each workstation to accommodation their own preferences.

Refuting that the launch of this easy-to-use software would mean washing off to all the training conducted earlier, Natesan states that experienced and trained travel consultants will still have the option of using cryptic formats. The difference is that Viewpoint offers more flexibility and control over information. Experience travel agents can toggle between Focalpoint and Viewpoint whenever they wish to do so.

Travel agencies can customise Viewpoint by organising the booking processes to suit their business and market preferences. It is integrated withGalileo's industry leading mapping product and provides easy access to important applications including Focalpoint Relay, a tool that automates many of the most cumbersome tasks such as ticket exchanges.

The company has beta tested Viewpoint in 21 countries. It has also started a controlled employment for subscribers in these markets free of charge.

Throughout the development process, a test group of travel agents provided inputs on the product to make it user friendly.

Galileo's plans envisage corporate implants, in addition to setting up of travel agencies at home. All that is required is a 486 PC (which costs as little as Rs 20,000) to now get onto the worldwide travel web.

In addition to increasing the efficiency of travel agencies, the launch of this software is expected to increase productivity and profits. Elaborates Natesan: "It is difficult to quantify exactly what the increase in business that Viewpoint will bring about. However we believe that if the system is used to its fullest potential,business could increase by as much as 30 per cent."