Yes, ITA technology that if the sale is approved, will become part of Google. Cambridge, MA based airline info provider ITA Software was just acquired (pending regulatory approval) by Google for $700 million.
ITA Software was founded by MIT grads in the mid-1990. This timeline offers a look at key dates in ITA Software history including when QPX (the name of the ITA software that provides scheduling, seat availability, pricing, and other info) was launched by Orbitz in June, 2001. During March, 2002, three airlines (U.S. Airways, Continental, and Alaska Airline began successfully using ITA technology. Last September, Southwest Airlines (known for their simple fare structure) began using ITA Software.
Now, Google Inc. will try to dominate the online e-commerce travel market the way it has come to dominate cell phone operating systems with its Android product. In other words, it is impossible to tell whether its buy-out for ITA Software will ever bear fruit financially.
ITA is an important provider of software specializing in organizing airline data, including flight times, availability and prices. Google said the acquisition of ITA Software will create a new, easier way for users to find better flight information online, which should encourage more users to make their flight purchases online.
The ITA products are critical to most airline and travel e-commerce sites, which mean that several companies like Priceline and Orbitz will be unhappy. The deal is almost certain to be reviewed by The Justice Department. Google clearly plans to aggressively push itself into something that has been other people’s business.