AT&T and Sabre, a global travel technology company, today announced they will jointly explore solutions which could usher in a more personalized, stress-free trip experience for travelers.
The two companies are developing and testing solutions that take advantage of AT&T’s newly enhanced Location Information Services (LIS) – Hybrid, which allows developers to build geo-aware mobile applications. They are exploring how device-based location information services can help airlines, airport retailers, and other travel-related companies deliver intelligent, predictive and personalized services throughout a traveler’s journey.
AT&T LIS Hybrid has the ability to define custom geo-fences (a virtual perimeter within a geographic area) in any shape or size, indoors and out, using cellular, GPS and WiFi information shared by the user from their device. Knowing when a traveler enters or leaves a pre-defined geo-fence would allow travel suppliers to provide personalized services and relevant offers based on the traveler’s real-time location.
“By applying cutting edge technologies, coupled with data analytics and better intelligence, we can give travelers the personalized experience they have come to expect in today’s connected world,” Sarah Kennedy, director, Sabre Labs, the technology incubator and research lab at Sabre, said.
“Together with AT&T, we will explore the role advanced location-based services can have in helping travel suppliers provide better, more personal service to their customers.”
“Imagine an app that can alert airline staff when a high-status passenger is still clearing security when her flight is due to depart; or that notifies travelers of special promotions as they approach an airport bookstore; or warns a passenger if he is in the wrong terminal for his connecting flight. The two companies are exploring technology that could underpin these types of apps across almost all types of smart phones, tablets and operating systems. Any services developed as part of the trial will meet location services best practices guidelines when it comes to customer privacy including customer opt-in.”
“Our application programming interface, or API, and software development kit allows companies like Sabre to build multi-carrier geo-aware mobile applications,” Laura Merling, vice president of Ecosystem Development and Platform Solutions, AT&T, said.
“AT&T LIS Hybrid works with WiFi as well as existing cellular device-based information location services such as GPS, to deliver near-precise device location information indoors and outdoors.”
Phase one of the pilot project between Sabre and AT&T is expected to be completed during the first half of 2014.