Carlson Wagonlit Travel signed "non-exclusive, global referral agreements" with mobile technology providers conTgo and WorldMate

for their SMS and smartphone solutions, respectively. "This is the first phase of an extensive plan CWT has to increasingly offer its products and services via mobile channels and social networks," the company stated. Itineraries, flight status alerts and messaging on security issues and policy compliance are among the services to be made available from CWT through the partners. "The market offers a variety of premium-priced, mobile solutions from which to choose and travelers often make their own selection so they can stay well informed and in control before, during and after their trip," according to Andrew Winterton, CWT president for suppliers, products and technology. "Companies that do not offer travelers a managed mobile solution incur higher costs, inadvertently encourage non-compliant decisions, and risk the spread of confidential information through social networks." American Express Business Travel last week announced an alliance with WorldMate, building on its own mobile partnerships with Rearden Commerce and conTGo.