Galileo International's Time Machine Tests Year 2000 Readiness for Global Distribution System, Interfaces

The Time Machine is a full simulation of Galileo International's production systems that can recreate a number of critical date horizons, such as the rollover to Jan. 1, 2000. Operating independently of the Apollo(R) and Galileo(R) computerized reservation systems (CRSs), it provides a realistic test environment without the risk of disrupting business operations.

The Time Machine consists of multiple inter-connected systems simulating Galileo International's comprehensive CRS functionality. Included are the Galileo CRS with its router, the Apollo CRS, and the GlobalFares(TM) complex of the North American and International Fare Quote systems. It also includes systems for car, hotel and leisure products. Real-time links to travel vendors, such as airlines, hotels and car rental companies, and service providers, to retrieve fare and availability information and book reservations, is an important feature of the Time Machine.

Galileo is using the Time Machine with selected vendors, agencies and suppliers for validation of its own software and hardware systems. In addition, numerous vendors, subscribers and suppliers are taking the opportunity to use the Time Machine to test the readiness of their products, hardware, systems and interfaces.

"The Time Machine allows customers and vendors to test out their own applications in a realistic simulation of our systems in the Year 2000 and beyond," said Ronnie Hauptman, director of Galileo International's Year 2000 project. "Performance against key dates, such as the rollover to the new millennium and February 29, 2000 are critical and the Time Machine will help customers assess the readiness and robustness of their own systems in a risk- free environment."

Supported by the company's testing group, Galileo International is able to accommodate customized testing by creating specialized test scenarios that can be applied to the system during the weekly load.

Customer testing is expected to continue throughout 1998, and while opportunities to use the facility are limited, interested parties are encouraged to contact their local Galileo office.

The "Year 2000 problem" arises because most computer systems and programs were designed to handle only a two-digit year, not a four-digit year (e.g. 1998 is seen as "98"). When the year 2000 begins, these computers may interpret "00" as the year 1900 and either stop processing date-related computations or process them incorrectly. In addition, some computers may not recognize 2000 as a leap year and February 29, 2000 may not exist on them.

Galileo International is one of the world's leading providers of electronic global distribution services for the travel industry. The company provides travel agencies at approximately 38,000 locations, as well as other

subscribers, with the ability to access schedule and fare information, book reservations and issue tickets for more than 500 airlines. Galileo International also provides subscribers with information and booking capabilities covering all major hotel chains, car rental companies, cruise lines and numerous tour operators throughout the world. Further information on the company is available on its Web site at www.galileo.com.