Client Challenge
With its technologies being adopted by a large number of customers in the travel industry, the client needed to quickly establish a software development and support capability which was collaborative, flexible and cost-efficient in delivering services which were predictable. Some of the immediate projects to be completed were:
• Re-architecting and re-developing some core components of the system to deliver the performance scalability necessary for an exponential increase in the transactions being processed.
• Setting up an interface development factory that would develop and maintain interfaces while using a methodology of reusable components in order to reduce time to market considerably.
• Setting up an application production support capability, supporting 24/7 operations with global customers.
Adding staff in-house, on a full-time or short term basis, and getting them ramped up to deliver services in a quality manner was not considered as an effective option by the client. It was expected that such an option would take far too long and hence not realize the immediate needs.
At the same time, the pressure to complete some of the re-architecting of the software was increasing, with new customers signing up. They were on the lookout for a partner who would bring in not only the technology and software engineering process expertise, but also an understanding of the travel business. A partner, who shared the vision of building the next-generation information technology solutions.

IBS Solution and Service Delivery Methodology
IBS adopted its proven ESDF (Extended Software Development Facility) model to meet the client’s delivery requirements. Under this model a dedicated resource pool from IBS was constituted to work on the different work packages of the client. The team worked as the extension of the client’s team, as if IBS is the software development center for them.

The IBS team comprised software engineers, business analysts, technical architects and project managers to work on the client’s various projects. During the knowledge transition phase, the IBS team was embedded with the customer team, at its onsite facilities and on the job training was imparted. The team was able to quickly gauge the client’s requirements and provide solutions that effectively addressed the dynamics of the fast changing world of online travel distribution. The project was transitioned to offshore in a span of 3 months. This approach gave the client excellent control over the project while reaping the benefits of proven project management methodologies practiced at IBS. The client was able to access IBS’ domain-centric services compliant with CMMI level 5 processes, apart from cost and schedule advantages. Communication with the client was maintained through weekly and monthly reports.

The team now ensures that the client retains a competitive edge in its business by providing mission critical development services apart from round-the-clock production support services. Thanks to the deep insight gained from developing domain-focused software products, IBS put its approach of using reusable frameworks into practice, resulting in a drastic reduction of time and effort for the client.

Technical Features
.NET Framework 2.0 on Windows Server 2003, SQL Server 2005

Business Benefits
• The client has been able to get the benefits of a dedicated offshore devel¬opment center with strong domain focus and proven delivery track record, without the capital investments, overheads and long start-up periods associ¬ated with setting up such a center.
• The client was able to leverage the technical expertise and domain knowl¬edge gained by IBS in executing large projects for the travel and transporta¬tion industries.
• IBS’ ESDF model gave the client the ability to vary the size of the resource pool in accordance with business and work requirements.
• The client was also able to benefit from the project support teams in areas such as Network Support, Technology Consulting, Process Compliance, Qual¬ity Assurance, Training and Technical Writing.
• The IBS model offers good visibility and control on offshore practices to the client’s team.

About the Client
Headquartered in the US, with offices in US, Canada and Europe, the client is one of the fastest growing companies providing Demand Management Technologies and services to the global travel industry. The Client is credited with introducing Demand Management to the global travel industry and offers technologies and services that bring order and simplicity to the distribution of hotel products. Enabled by the client’s Demand Gateway distribution platform, members of the Supply Partner Network and Demand Partner Network can connect according to their business needs, rather than by historically restrictive technology constraints.