Webjet takes off to Microsoft Cloud

Webjet has embraced a range of cloud technologies from Microsoft including Office 365, Windows Azure and Windows 8.

ANZ's largest online travel booking website says they hope the move will "achieve greater flexibility in a competitive marketplace, support growth and drive their goal of delivering superior customer service."

Spanning across the business, the announcement comes after a surge in online visitor traffic and bookings, up 30% in total transaction value to $768 million for 2012.

Office 365

Early next year Webjet says it plans to upgrade employees to the latest in messaging technology by moving to a hybrid cloud solution with Exchange and Exchange Online, which is part of the Microsoft’s Office 365 productivity suite.

“Office 365 will allow us to scale our business activity as we continue to diversify our product offerings domestically and expand the Webjet brand globally,” says Graham Anderson, head of Solutions Delivery at Webjet.

“We will have the ability to add new employees and ensure that we continue to attract talent that is interested in working for a company that provides the best technological tools to help them do their jobs.

"Office 365 will mean we won’t have to spend time adding storage, servers, and deploying people to maintaining those servers. Instead our IT employees can focus on more strategic projects that support business growth and help drive the bottom line.”

Windows Azure

During 2012 Webjet delivered additional services on Windows Azure, including a revamped website. The company says Windows Azure also allow the site’s infrastructure to be modified substantially in a short period of time allowing them to react quickly to the marketplace.

“The scalability, ease of use and integration into our overall development process was key in choosing Windows Azure as it enabled us to expand our travel technology solutions in line with our business growth,” Anderson says.

Windows 8

As the Windows 8 launch travel partner in Australia, the company has delivered an app giving customers access to Webjet’s full range of domestic Australian flights and over 155,000 hotels worldwide.

"The release incorporates the fluid philosophy initially established with our mobile platform applications," says John Guscic, Webjet managing direct.

"As such it means far less key strokes for consumers and a smoother flow of the booking process and integration process from initial enquiry through to confirmation.”

To view the Webjet Windows 8 app click here www.webjet.com.au/travel-toolbox/windows8