What's a GDS?

The travel industry's Global Distribution System AKA 'GDS' is software travel agents have used decades. It put the ability to book online right on their desktop. That system (still) requires a lot of training and knowledge to book and manage travel. Great for the 'brick and mortar' agencies taking bookings by phone and in person. Want to take bookings directly online, and not be an affiliate? Want to customize what you offer your customers, offer them certain brands or local hotels you know will deliver to your customers? That's a horse of a different color.