application program interfaces
The key to the future of data
Expedia earns 90% of its revenue through its Application Program Interfaces. Their APIs allow customers to book flights, rent cars, and find hotel deals on other websites. Customer's can access Expedia's unique blend of services through other websites or travel sites without having to go directly to the Expedia website. It allows more flexibility for customers and increases usage.
For example a company using a website other than Expedia to help plan their trip can still access Expedia's flight booking services off of the website through the use of APIs.
As Expedia continues to expand, APIs will only increase in their value to the company. Any company that handles large amounts of data can greatly increase their profitability through the use of APIs since APIs allows increased accessibility to a company's database.
For example a company using a website other than Expedia to help plan their trip can still access Expedia's flight booking services off of the website through the use of APIs.
As Expedia continues to expand, APIs will only increase in their value to the company. Any company that handles large amounts of data can greatly increase their profitability through the use of APIs since APIs allows increased accessibility to a company's database.
Machine learningLets Expedia customize each customer's experience and personalize their answers.
|
“The trick with machine learning is the people not the code.” -David Fleischman
Ability to learn customers' habits and help them make purchasing decisions based off of past decisions.
|
Natural Language Interface: Allows programs to use statistical inferences to answer questions worded weirdly. The computer accesses data off of specifically worded queries. Most people don't use the formulaic phrases understood by most computers. The natural language interface lets Expedia help people find information about flights and hotels even when they word their searches oddly. Examples: "romantic hotels in Barcelona" "pet-friendly hotels in Greece"
The impact of smartphones on travel
Expedia realizes the significant role customer's smartphones play in their travel experience. In response they are increasing the emphasis and time spent in customizing and improving their mobile app. One way they are seeking to increase traffic through their mobile app is the use of rewards and points. Up until March 31st 2017 Expedia+ users can win extra points for booking through the mobile app. This increases the traffic and influence of Expedia's mobile app and places less importance on their website. Their mobile app is simple and easy to use. It makes it efficient for customers to book hotels, rental cars, flights and search for places to eat, all from the same app. They even have a travel itinerary to help their customers stay on schedule and coordinate their flights with the their check-in/check-out time at their hotels and transportation to and from airports and travel centers. |
Expedia recently won the 2016 People’s Voice Award (the Webby Awards) for its mobile app.
Smartphones have changed how people travel. Individuals depend on their phones for updates on flight delays, looking up info for where to stay when they land, searching for directions, and as an entertainment device while waiting.
|