IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has signed a five and a half-year information technology (IT) services agreement to manage its reservation system. The “Reservation as a Service” contract is based on software from an IBM business partner, Versonix, and consulting and hosting services from IBM.
The new NCL reservation system environment will be more reliable and resilient, helping improve the customer purchasing experience through enhanced availability and performance. Incorporating IBM hardware, software and services with Versonix’ Seaware reservation software will give NCL a highly flexible, dependable and scalable system to support its future growth objectives.
As part of the agreement, IBM will provide to NCL an end-to-end reservation service that supports its business with the following:
· A robust governance process to manage the daily operations and business rule changes
· A set of services from IBM Internet Security Systems that provide a highly secure environment for NCL’s business and clients
· An infrastructure solution utilizing IBM’s state-of-the-art data center technology and facilities, hardware management, and database and application support to provide NCL with an adaptable and safe IT environment
· Experience and skills to integrate, host and maintain Versonix’ Seaware reservation software
“This new reservation service strategy at NCL is an opportunity to streamline and institutionalize operational rigor around a very flexible and scalable reservation solution at a lower total cost of ownership,” said Vincent Cirel, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at NCL. “IBM’s strong performance record in delivering its service level commitments to NCL coupled with Versonix software will ensure an enterprise solution that better serves NCL customers across all distribution channels.”
“IBM’s ability to craft a complete end-to-end reservation system that is both flexible and reliable was key to NCL moving to IBM,” said Bruce Speechley, Hospitality and Leisure Practice Leader, IBM Global Business Services. “Our unique ability to align NCL’s business objectives with IBM’s world-class hardware, software, services, travel industry expertise and integrated technology from a partner is something we believe no other company can match.”
“The solution created for NCL is based on standardized, time-tested products and services that can be easily deployed to meet the needs of clients in the travel and transportation industry,” said Yuri Polissky, Chief Operating Officer, Versonix. “By teaming with IBM, we will be able to help future clients integrate IT with their business goals.”
The agreement will support NCL’s worldwide reservations and operations in North America and Europe.
