The Hindu Business Line : IBS to develop `iCargo' system

TECHNOPARK-based IBS Software Services is taking on bigger entities such as IBM and Unisys by launching a multi-million-dollar air cargo and logistics management system initiative.

Titled `iCargo,' the collaborative venture featuring three major airlines, will seek to "liberate air cargo and logistics management from the clutches of legacy systems" that are not in sync with the current technology, said Mr V.K. Mathews, Chairman and Managing Director, IBS.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said that Air New Zealand Cargo, Gulf Air and South African Airways Cargo are the three "representative" players from the industry that are part of the initiative. Together with IBS, they will form the Core Group of Influence (CGI) that will validate the processes of iCargo to meet the current and future requirements of the air cargo industry.

iCargo is being developed as an integrated, multi-hosting system for cargo reservations, capacity control, rating, load planning, cargo terminal operations and the freight-forwarding requirements of cargo-carrying airlines. The system not only suits IT vendors, but also incorporates the interests of the user industry and the airline community. As a result, IBS has roped in major airline operators into the programme.

Mr Mathews said that at least $25 million is being invested into the initiative. The first market release of iCargo will be in December this year. This will be followed by subsequent releases in September 2006 and end-2007, by when the product would be ready for implementation. The company is talking to at least 20 players who have evinced interest in the initiative.

IBS has now emerged as the only company in the country to invest in the latest technology solutions to replace legacy systems in both the passenger services and cargo services areas of air transport. Predecessor aiRes (formerly known as iRes) is the equivalent of iCargo on the passenger services system side. aiRes was formed out of a joint initiative with Cendant Corporation.

According to Mr Patrick Dlaminin, General Manager of South African Airways Cargo, the management was unanimous in its decision to participate in the IBS initiative. "We are eagerly anticipating the first release," he added.

Mr Paul Reid, Air New Zealand Cargo's General Manager, said iCargo would define the company's future IT systems roadmap. Mr Ali Murtada, Vice-President — Business Units, Gulf Air, also expressed similar sentiments.

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