AirAsia launches AirAsia Vista Gadget

AirAsia has launched its new AirAsia Vista Gadget that will allow customers to instantly manage and access live travel information and web-based services directly from their Windows Vista desktop computers.

Speaking after the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both companies and The Media Shoppe Berhad (TMS), AirAsia Executive Vice President (Commercial) Kathleen Tan said that the leading low-cost carrier and pioneer of e-commerce in Asian aviation is constantly looking at innovative ways to communicate directly with all their valued customers.

“AirAsia is proud to be collaborating with Microsoft; a global technology leader with quality customer service; it is our way of life. We believe in leveraging on leading-edge technology, such as Windows Vista, to enhance the customer experience with our brand. The collaboration allows us to expand our marketing channels by providing instant information on AirAsia’s promotions and updates to the region” she said.

The AirAsia sidebar gadget was developed by TMS, a Microsoft-certified independent solutions provider, for the Windows Vista platform. The gadget will allow AirAsia customers to access live travel information, such as destinations, itineraries and pricing directly from the Windows Vista interface. 

“This gadget will also help us boost our e-commerce business. Already, AirAsia has one of the most successful websites in Asia, recording an average of 800,000 unique visitors and 90 million impressions per month from over 200 countries, accounting for 70% of our online sales at www.airasia.com. The Vista-powered AirAsia gadget will enable our customers to keep up to date with latest news and travel promotions, and continue to drive traffic back to AirAsia website,” she added.

Vista contributes to local software economy potential

The AirAsia gadget will be among the first of an array of innovative, third-party mini-applications and programs that will bring life to the technological advances in Windows Vista - making it easier than ever for people to find and connect to their information.

Microsoft Malaysia Managing Director Yasmin Mahmood said that the release of Windows Vista, the 2007 Office system and Exchange Server 2007 – the MoU was signed in conjunction with the Official Launch of all three products – presents new commercial and market opportunities for its local partners and independent software vendors (ISVs).

“These home-grown gadgets developed by our ISV partners, such as TMS, will offer organisations a more interactive and engaging experience — the Windows Vista experience. Early users of Windows Vista will be among first to realise its potential to deliver information, entertain and educate people in new ways,” said Yasmin.

In Malaysia, Microsoft has more than 5,000 solution provider partners and 800 ISVs building software applications or web-based services that take advantage of Microsoft’s various platforms.

“Organisations are recognising the branding and commercial value of such innovations as the sidebar gadgets on Windows Vista, and partners will continue to be instrumental in helping organisations deploy and integrate these new technologies,” explained Yasmin.

According to an IDC study, Microsoft partners are expected to invest approximately US$400 million in Windows Vista-related products and services worldwide.

“Windows Vista will help generate commercial and economic opportunities in Malaysia by creating jobs, enabling organisational efficiencies and helping to solve business challenges for our customers, partners and the IT industry as a whole.

“We are proud to partner with companies such as AirAsia who are constantly on the edge of innovation. AirAsia has consistently shown us that they are a leader in embracing technology to better serve its customers,” said Yasmin.

AirAsia’s Tan said, “The AirAsia gadget will be available for download from today at AirAsia.com. The launch of this gadget is perfect to coincide with Visit Malaysia Year 2007. We are confident that this strategic collaboration with Windows Vista technology will stimulate even more people to fly.”

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