CHAPTER 12 Developing Business Information Systems
Internet Fosters Cooperation Between Companies
Cooperative development of information systems was unheard of a few years ago. Today, competing companies are cooperating to create Internet-based systems and services that can be shared. For example, several major airlines (Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines) have joined forces to create a super-site at which travelers can obtain airline tickets and make other travel arrangements. Already, twenty other airlines have asked to post fares and schedules to the site. The American Society of Travel Agents is trying to block the development of the site citing the possibility of price-fixing. In time, the airlinesŐ super-site has the potential to eliminate the need for travel agents, who take a percentage of the value of each ticket they write. Currently, airline tickets can be conveniently purchased online, but, apparently, this joint venture is being viewed as an attempt to eliminate the middleman.