XML is also the document messaging language adopted by the Open Travel Alliance, an industry group responsible for the development and promotion of Internet-based standard formats for the communication of data between travelers and travel-related businesses, as well as among businesses themselves. These standards will encourage development of systems that can help create new collections of services to better meet the demands and expectations of travelers and the travel industry.

Using XML, travel suppliers have the ability to differentiate their products and services in ways not previously possible, and can introduce new products and services.

"e-Travel's use of XML significantly streamlined our ability to build a direct link," said Chris Frawley, Continental Airline's managing director of Electronic Commerce. "It also enables us to more effectively market our services to Continental Airlines' corporate customers."

"As the entire travel industry moves online, e-Travel is building the technology base for the travel industry's new Internet backbone," said e-Travel, Inc. President and CEO John Ackermann. "Our new XML-based architecture provides benefits to everyone involved in the business travel industry, including corporations and travel suppliers."

e-Travel, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Oracle Corporation, is a leading provider of integrated and comprehensive Internet-based business-to-business corporate travel management solutions that include direct links between corporations and travel suppliers. e-Travel's products and services are used by major global corporations, including Joseph E. Seagram and Sons, Ltd., The Philip Morris Management Company and Ingersoll-Rand. e-Travel is on the World Wide Web at www.e-travel.com.