Press Release
International Tour Directors Exceed Service Expectations Using Wireless Access in Remote Locations
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Apr 24, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Globus, a worldwide leader in escorted travel, deployed Palm(R) Treo(TM) smartphones to its workforce throughout Europe, the United States and Canada. Using more than 200 Treo smartphones -- including the new Treo 680 -- as a wireless solution, Globus tour directors gain on-the-spot transmission and credit card transaction approval, access to the company's financial system, and connectivity to centralized information that improves daily business operations.(1)
Globus tour directors use Palm's open-platform Treo smartphone combined with 3G Touch Solutions software as their wireless tool, managing paperless databases while in remote locations. The traveler may be half a world away, but equipped with the latest Palm Treo smartphone, Globus customers' on-trip transactions are now literally within arm's reach.
"Sales transactions are now entered more often and in a timelier manner," said Evan Harolds, director of finance for Globus. "The Treo smartphone lets Globus tour directors manage daily transactions quickly and effectively, allowing more time to build relationships with the customer in hopes of securing future trips."
With 3G Touch Solutions software, the customized Treo smartphone solution serves as a trustworthy replacement for heavy, time-consuming, and archaic devices, such as credit card imprinters and paper files. This application allows the Globus workforce to sell tourism activities, apply discounts and process sales on the spot. Everything is electronically stored, so if the user doesn't have cell coverage, the transaction information is held until coverage is reached. The data then connects with the corporate network and auto-imports transactions into the company's accounting system through the convenience of Globus' e-credit card processing partner, PayJunction, and Grabba, Inc., maker of credit card readers.
"Globus tour directors aren't required to be tech-savvy people, but they really love their Treo smartphones. Over the next few years, as we continue to evolve the product, they'll be able to record personal expenses and changes that happen on tour as well," said Harolds.
Smartphones have proven to be a durable, cost-effective and a flexible solution for Globus tour directors. They've shortened business processes and increased data accuracy and efficiency by providing fast, remote access to pertinent information. For instance, receipts, bookings and other information are now held on the smartphone and transmitted to management remotely. With wireless connectivity at their fingertips, the workforce uses Treo smartphones as a means to lower administration costs and errors, while increasing customer service and productivity.
"Globus has set a standard in the travel industry for mobile innovations that increase customer and business satisfaction," said Tim Roper, vice president, U.S. region, for Palm, Inc. "Globus is well-known for its diverse escorted tours, unique travel itineraries and great service. By using the Palm Treo solution to connect to centralized information while in remote locations, travel directors can exceed service expectations."
Leading the way in travel for more than 75 years, Globus offers travel experiences in more than 60 countries on six continents, serving the needs of today's diverse traveler. From customers and travel agents alike, Globus is far and away the most recommended brand in escorted travel.(2) The combination of popular and unique destinations, flawless service and integrity has earned Globus an enviable record in the travel industry.
More information about Palm's enterprise solutions is available at http://www.palm.com/solutions.
About Globus
The Globus family of brands is marketed and operated by a network of more than 32 independent tourism and aviation businesses, serviced by a group of more than 5,000 professionals worldwide. Group Voyagers, Inc. is the company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands - Globus, Brennan Vacations, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways.
More information about Globus is available at www.globusjourneys.com
About Palm, Inc.
Palm, Inc., a leader in mobile computing, strives to put the power of computing in people's hands so they can access and share their most important information. The company's products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm(R) Treo(TM) smartphones and Palm handheld computers, as well as software, services and accessories.
Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm Retail Stores and Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).
More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.
(1) Within wireless service coverage area only. Availability and coverage depends upon carrier and the geographic scope of international roaming agreements. Email, messaging and web access requires data services at an additional cost.
(2) 2006 Ipsos-Insight Brand Awareness and Image Study
Palm and Treo are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.
SOURCE: Palm, Inc.
A&R Edelman for Palm, Inc.
Dolleen Casey, 650-762-2811
dcasey@ar-edelman.com
or
Palm, Inc.
Jim Christensen, 408-617-7455
jim.christensen@palm.com
Copyright Business Wire 2007
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