Thomas Cook and Sonera SmartTrust to offer world's first secure mobile travel services
May 8, 2000
>> Today, Thomas Cook, the world's leading international travel and financial services group, has signed an agreement with Sonera SmartTrust, the global provider of secure wireless solution platforms, to deliver the world's most extensive secure global travel services using mobile phones and wireless devices.
The advent of the 'Mobile FX Bureau' launches a new era of flexible travel with customers able to purchase and make conversion enquiries as well as arranging for remote collection of purchased currency anywhere in the world. This is the first product in a range of global travel services that will begin to be made available to customers worldwide throughout 2000 as part of the Thomas Cook Global Traveller Assistance package.
Trialing in Finland, the 'Mobile FX Bureau' service will enable customers to utilise a wide range of travel related services safely and conveniently on their mobile phones. Mr Harri Vatanen, CEO and President, Sonera SmartTrust, believes that the provision of a guaranteed secure environment (using PKI and Digital Signatures) removes in one step, the primary barrier customers feel towards making mobile transactions.
"The combination of the SmartTrust solution and Thomas Cook Global Services enables customers to transact securely regardless of time and place - essential for both business and leisure travel. This deal is a significant advance for wireless e-commerce and we are pleased that Thomas Cook recognises that our technology, offers complete end-to-end security in the wireless world."
"This is a natural step in SmartTrust's strategy - first we enabled secure financial services and now we are moving into priority sectors such as the travel industry," continued Mr Vatanen.
"Thomas Cook is happy to be working with Sonera SmartTrust in moving our online travel business into a secure wireless environment", says Bill James, Ventures and Futures Director, Thomascook.com. "With already over four hundred million mobile phone users around the world, mobile commerce is undoubtedly the future. Security is a critical issue and therefore we'll be very happy to be Sonera SmartTrust's partner for traveller services and information."
Other global travel services from Sonera that are to be accessed using mobile phones include Flight Tracking Service. This product will enable real-time flight information - such as delays, cancellations, gate changes, terminal changes - to be sent direct to the travellers mobile phone. The service is already available in Finland.
"Thomas Cook, in co-operation with SmartTrust, will ensure the modern traveller has easy access to a whole portfolio of services that make business travel smoother and leisure travel more pleasurable. We share a common objective with Sonera SmartTrust to support people on the move. The partnership will now allow us, through mobile Internet, to provide both visual & vocal access to a broad range of traveller assistance services," said Ian Morgan, Vice President, Product Development, Thomas Cook Global & Financial Services.
Technical support and consultancy for the project was provided by Cap Gemini, the European leader in IT services and management consulting. Cap Gemini was responsible for the programming and implementation of the WAP and web user interfaces and the integration of the Sonera SmartTrust solutions.
About Thomas Cook and thomascook.com
Thomas Cook is an international Travel and Financial Services Group employing 20,000 employees worldwide. The Group has 1,800 wholly owned operations in 25 countries worldwide. Thomascook.com is the division of the business set up to offer travel related services via interactive channels and aims to be the leading interactive travel retailer here and abroad. thomascook.com
About Sonera SmartTrust and Across Wireless
Sonera SmartTrust and Across Wireless have joined forces to better address the needs of the wireless e-commerce market. We offer instant and easy access to the fastest growing market ever by providing a comprehensive set of integrated, open standard secure solutions for wireless e-commerce.
Sonera SmartTrust is the leading developer and provider of PKI-based security solutions for wireless e-commerce. Across Wireless offers a wide selection of wireless Internet-based service platforms such as OTA service and device management, a wireless Internet gateway platform as well as a SIM-based WAP browser. The combination of our strengths forms the cornerstone of Secure Wireless e-Commerce.
Sonera SmartTrust and Across Wireless are active members of ETSI, Radicchio and the WAP forum. More information on SmartTrust to be found at smarttrust.com and on Across Wireless at acrosswireless.com.
For further information, please contact:
Sonera SmartTrust
Ms Sari Laitinen
Manager, PR
Tel. +358 40 511 8108
sari.laitinen@sonera.com
Thomas Cook
Ian Morgan
Vice President, Product Development
(Thomas Cook Global & Financial Services)
Tel: 01733 502 334
Ian.Morgan@ThomasCook.com
Richard Roberts
Commercial Manager Wireless Services
(Thomascook.com)
Tel: 01733 563 200
Richard.Roberts@ThomasCook.com
Don Haddaway
Head of Global Telecommunications (Thomas Cook Global and Financial Services)
Tel: 01733 563 200
Don.Haddaway@ThomasCook.com
Sonera (HEX: SRA, NASDAQ: SNRA) is an international forerunner in mobile communications and mobile-based services and applications. By combining its expertise in mobile communications, the Internet and service provision, Sonera aims to develop into a global communications operator and provider of transaction and content services. The company also provides advanced data communications solutions to businesses, and fixed network voice services in Finland and its nearby areas. In 1999, Sonera's revenues amounted to EUR 1.85 billion and profit before extraordinary items and taxes was EUR 0.5 billion.
sonera.fi
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