GetThere

GetThere is the largest online booking website for corporate travel. This software solution is used by more than 3,000 companies worldwide. The company offers company discounted rates for employees to book business travel and company-preferred suppliers. The most useful bit about GetThere is that users can access it from an easy-to-use corporate intranet Web site.GetThere was established by Dan Whaley and Bruce Yoxsimer in Palo Alto, CA in 1994

The company initially provided online travel to corporations by powering travel bookings on other Web sites. However, by 1997, the company began to focus on providing transaction services to anyone needing travel reservation services. By 1999, GetThere was focused almost exclusively on the corporate and airline markets. After this period, GetThere signed nearly 70 of the top 100 companies as customers. GetThere was successful because it was able to work with any Global Distribution System (GDS) and any supporting travel agency. Companies found this hassle-free dealing very helpful. Such efficiencies are critical for the ongoing success of travel buyers and distributors.

To better serve and communicate with corporate customers, GetThere has created the GetThere Connection, a password-protected extranet of resources and tools. This online community provides online travel, current product information, training opportunities, and access to other customer self-service tools. These features are all designed to increase the success of a corporation's overall travel program.