Patent ID: 7809592
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of routing a trip request for a trip, comprising the steps of: connecting, using a connection, to a plurality of global distribution systems (GDSs), travel vendor databases, multi-use terminals of a plurality of travel counselors, and travel websites such that the plurality of travel counselors have access to the travel vendor databases and the plurality of GDSs, wherein the connection is accomplished via a frame relay network having a plurality of hubsites and using an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) backbone and multiple redundant data centers; wherein the connection further includes a first translation server configured to communicate natively with a first hubsite in the plurality of hubsites, the plurality of GDSs, travel vendor databases, multi-use terminals of a plurality of travel counselors, and travel websites; wherein the first translation server is configured to communicate with the plurality of GDSs, travel vendor databases, multi-use terminals of a plurality of travel counselors, and travel websites via at least one of: (i) XML, (ii) a native application programming interface (API), and (iii) an open standard alliance; wherein the connection further includes a second translation server configured to communicate with the first hubsite and the first translation server, wherein the first hubsite is configured to route a trip request to the second translation server responsive to a disruption in connectivity to the first translation server; receiving the trip request, using the connection, via email; parsing, by a trip module, the trip request to obtain trip request data; selecting, using the trip module comprising a processor and a data store, among GDSs for the trip request, using the connection, based upon a comparison of a prior trip request and a contractual requirement, wherein said contractual requirement is embodied in a configuration item; storing, in said data store of said trip module, the selected GDS; scanning, using the connection, a queue containing a plurality of messages, wherein the plurality of messages are of a plurality of different types; identifying, automatically, a message that contains the trip request for a traveler, wherein the trip request comprises unformatted trip information; extracting, automatically, the unformatted trip information from the identified message; converting, automatically, the unformatted trip information into a formatted trip request; checking, using the connection, for conflicting trip requests for the traveler, wherein the step of checking comprises: