Aeroplan Case Study and a Press Release to Match

As you may recall from Get Elastic podcast #4 with Frank Chin, Elastic Path and Aeroplan recently brewed up a project to help Aeroplan’s Members redeem their Miles (think “points” earned from flights and purchases from partners) through a (very nicely styled IMO) self-service on-line shop.

Read the release after the break

Traditionally, “frequent flier” benefits were redeemed for additional flights however, Aeroplan have moved beyond flight rewards and, as a Loyalty Management Company, have instituted a program where Members can redeem their accumulated Miles online for an assortment of unique “Gifts and Indulgences” gathered from partner companies.

From a technical standpoint, this project required some intricate integration with Aeroplan’s existing systems and thoughful foresight to ensure ease of use when adding new products from constellation of vendors. The site also makes use of some key Elastic Path features, namely multi-language ability and variable currency support (using a non-financial currency in this case).

But, I won’t tell you *all* the news, instead read the Case Study as .pdf and/or the Press Release below - Note: the press release will come out on PRWeb on Monday.
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PRESS RELEASE

Aeroplan’s Web Success Chronicled by Ecommerce Vendor Elastic Path

Vancouver-based ecommerce software vendor Elastic Path releases a case study detailing an innovative and unique multi-lingual retail site with Aeroplan, a noted loyalty management company.

July 24, 2006, Vancouver B.C., CANADA - Elastic Path Software has released a case study chronicling a recent ecommerce project for Aeroplan - a recognized leader in the loyalty management field.

As Canada’s premier loyalty marketing company, Aeroplan’s more than five million members redeemed more than 52 billion Aeroplan Miles representing approximately $40 billion CAD in consumer spending. Moving forward, Aeroplan sought an innovative solution to move mileage redemption towards a web-based, self-service redemption model.

The system needed to blend seamlessly with Aeroplan’s existing business systems and platform architecture. As Aeroplan’s Web Development Manager, Sean Burke-Gaffney, explains, “We didn’t want a duct-tape solution, we wanted a round peg for a round hole.”

While providing the exacting architectural fit required by Aeroplan, Burke-Gaffney also needed a solution to fit within budget. Again Elastic Path fit with a 3-to-1 or 4-to-1 Total Cost of Ownership savings over other evaluated platforms.

Aeroplan also needed to publish the site in both French and English plus conduct transactions using a “non-financial currency,” - due to the inherently flexible nature of the Elastic Path ecommerce software, both of the requirements were efficiently accommodated.

Harry Chemko, CEO of Elastic Path Software points out, “Aeroplan was an ideal customer for Elastic Path as they utilized the powerful built-in features including multi-language and variable currency support to reach their objective. With the majority of Aeroplan’s non-flight rewards redemptions now conducted online, we are pleased to have played a role in their success.”

Burke-Gaffney shares Chemko’s enthusiasm and describes the project as an, “Unconditional success,” and continues by saying, “Everybody from top to bottom on the business-side is ecstatic and the feedback from our members has been tremendous.”

About Elastic Path Software:

Elastic Path Software pioneered flexible ecommerce software for retailers who demand maximum control over rapidly evolving online stores. With Elastic Path, customers can leverage a fully-integrated ecommerce solution, enabling them to thrive in today’s increasingly competitive multi-channel marketplace. Companies like Aeroplan, Makeup.com, Procter & Gamble, 24 Hour Fitness, JBoss, Random House, and Xerox use Elastic Path for the core ecommerce features they demand today - and the evolving flexibility they need to engage tomorrow’s increasingly sophisticated customer. Elastic Path Software is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Learn more at www.elasticpath.com.

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Contacts:

Elastic Path Software - Jason Billingsley, V.P. of Marketing - 604-408-8078 x.226.
Aeroplan - Gillian Hewitt, Manager, Corporate Reputation, Aeroplan - 416-352-3706