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InterGate forms
a Gateway between the TIMDMS and the Internet, processing both outgoing
and incoming data using standard e-mail protocols. The following text describes
how the program provides functions for managing accommodation information from
remote computers and how it provides e-mail and web interfacing to Desktop PC's.
The InterGate program can either reside on a single tourism computer or
network. The only requirement is an Internet connection.
Availability:
In terms of 'on-line' Availability the InterGate will intercept incoming
data (mail) from the AIM (Accommodation Information Management) program
used by accommodation providers (AP's). The program can be scheduled to collect
and deliver 'mail' at any timescale, which means your accommodation information
could be updated every minute. InterGate will integrate fully into your
council's mail service or can use your own desktop Internet Service Provider
(ISP). Essentially once installed and configured the program works entirely in
the background and needs no further input. This process will automatically
populate accommodation databases with 'availability', 'price/rates', 'room/unit'
information' and 'special offers', provided direct from AP's or web sites. A
full log is kept of all InterGate activities for monitoring user
activity.
The InterGate uses standard e-mail protocols, which means that data can
be processed simultaneously from any AP with AIM, not just those in your
local area. It would therefore be a simple process for districts to work
together to hold common accommodation data. For example; an AP in one district
electing to update his availability and pricing for Christmas 2002 could not
only populate the local Tourism Database, but also databases in any other area.
There are no limits to the range of this facility.
E-Mail:
The system also provides full e-mail functionality from all TIM modules.
This facility can operate from a single computer or from all computers logged
onto the same network. The only requirement is that at least one PC has Internet
access. The facility will operate from wherever an e-mail address is present in
the databases. Clicking on the button (next to the address) will activate an
e-mail text window. Any text entered in this window will be e-mailed
automatically on completion. This facility performs specific functions in
servicing Accommodation Reservations. In this module confirmations can be
e-mailed direct to clients, and automatically to accommodation providers, all as
part of the reservation process.
Web:
The Gateway can also send and receive data from web sites, typically this can be
used for processing enquiries and information requests but it can also deliver
availability and other dynamic information.
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