DALLAS -- The "algorithm" is an industry buzz word that's related
to fare-search technology. Whether you own a travel site or a CRS,
one thing's clear about algorithms: ya gotta get some new ones.
Algorithms are mathematical formulas that can enable computers
to perform broad, speedy fare searches without having their
motherboards fry.
Sabre recently touted a new algorithm in its Bargain Finder
Plus, saying it frequently finds the same or lower fares when
compared with two unnamed "alternate search methods."
The Sabre algorithm seems aimed at the razzle-dazzle algorithms
developed by some former MIT whiz kids at ITA Software and licensed
to Orbitz. Expedia, too, has algorithms that surpass the
limitations of its Worldspan CRS.
The voguishness of algorithms is positive, adding up to wider
fare-search choices for consumers and agents.