Gelco Travel Manager Incorporates AutoLink CRS Gateway.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 1999--Melding Gelco Travel Manager(TM) with online inventory availability and pricing from the airline's CRS distribution systems became a reality this January when The Eastman Group Inc. (TEG) delivered its AutoLink(TM) gateway for implementation in conjunction with a major client project.

TEG worked through Innovata LLC, an Atlanta-based provider of static data to the Gelco Travel Manager system.

AutoLink(TM) connects Travel Manager users to real time data on flight, hotel and car availability at government fares. Drill-down features also provide an array of detail on hotel amenities and locations. The integrated system routes itineraries to the travel service provider for ticketing, as appropriate. AutoLink(TM) also enables automated integration of Travel Manager traveler profile information with the profiles maintained in the CRS by a contract travel office (CTO) or other service provider. "The AutoLink(TM) gateway to the CRS's is a key process in reaching the goal of an accurate and real-time `paperless' travel management solution", said William C. Shively, Gelco executive vice president.

TEG's AutoLink(TM) software "engine" is a flexible, PC-based, multi-processor product, that provides real time cross-platform connectivity. AutoLink(TM) serves the travel industry, e-commerce, and online travel management processes at high-speed transaction processing by accessing airline and other travel industry mainframe inventory and information systems.

Operating from a variety of technological platforms, the Gelco Travel Manager software is widely used in various government travel management solutions. The enhanced Travel Manager will guide government users through travel preparation, approvals filings, regulation/per diem compliance, in addition to reservations and audits.

AutoLink(TM) was identified by Innovata, the global data resource company in Oakwood, Ga., as particularly appropriate to Gelco Travel Manager, in that AutoLink(TM) enables the travel management software to easily adapt to any government or corporate needs. With different CRS's prevalent throughout the world, the fact that AutoLink(TM) is currently interfaced to the five major CRS's -- SABRE, Galileo, Amadeus, Worldspan, and Abacus and directly to many airlines -- made it the logical choice. Innovata provides the planning database for hotels, airfares, rental cars, rail and mapping for Travel Manager.

"The opportunity for a company of our size to participate with Gelco in providing AutoLink's highly scalable gateway reflects their recognition that contemporary gateway solutions help insure Travel Manager's ability to meet their clients changing needs," said Richard Eastman, president of The Eastman Group.

Gelco Government Network is committed to the concept of travel reinvention. Working with other corporate and agency partners, Gelco has supported the efforts of the Department of Defense and civilian agencies to streamline travel and travel document management. Travel Manager is also ideal for state and local governments, defense contractors and universities.

The Eastman Group provides AutoLink(TM) adaptations tailored to the needs of the travel industry. Airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, and corporations throughout the globe use AutoLink Internet along with other gateway solutions. AutoLink(TM) is also available through a TEG operated Service Center.