On this unusual Thursday edition of Payables News Weekly — made possibly by President’s Day on Monday here in the U.S. — we’ve got news from Apple Pay, American Express, and the world of business travel for your enjoyment. Also, there’s the news that I’m giving a webinar at 2 pm today, so be sure to check that out. Read on for more details.
Apple Pay to Become Available for Federal Payment Cards, Accepted at National Parks
The White House announced this past Friday that Apple Pay, the iPhone-based mobile payment solution, will be available for all users of federal payment cards, The New York Daily News reports. The announcement came at a cybersecurity summit, where Apple CEO Tim Cook also revealed that Apple Pay would be accepted for admission at national parks as well. Read the full article at http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/apple-pay-federal-payment-cards-article-1.2115989.
Secrets of World-Class AP Departments: Best Practices in AP Automation (Webinar)
Today, at 2 p.m. New York time, I’m being interviewed by Ray Emirzian — docSTAR’s accounts payable practice leader — about the secrets of the Best-in-Class when it comes to automation. If you get the chance to sign up before launch hour, please do. Sign up for the webinar at http://marketing.docstar.com/acton/media/10133/-ardent-ap-automation-webinar-website-source.
Bill.com Raises $50 Million for Cloud Invoicing
CNBC has the news that Bill.com raised a $50 million funding round, consisting of equity and debt. Some of the new money is slated to go toward hiring, as Bill.com has plans to add 50 new employees in the near future. The company’s cloud-based invoicing product is already in use by 600,000 customers. Read the full article at http://www.cnbc.com/id/102411005#.
The Sharing Economy Enters the Business of Business Travel
With the advent of sharing-economy solutions like Airbnb and Uber, it was only a matter of time before business travel became the new nut to crack. Entrepreneur magazine this week discussed the nature of business travel in the sharing economy, including some of the pitfalls to avoid as well as how inexpensive it can be to set up a reservation with Airbnb versus a traditional hotel. Read the full article at http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/241469.
American Express Global Business Travel Launches New Functionalities for Disruption Management Platform AX CONNECT
American Express announced yesterday that its AX CONNECT product — its Global Business Travel unit’s flagship traveler care solution — has now integrated near real-time flight status and tracking information. The new capabilities should ideally, according to the solution provider’s press release, allow travel managers to see disruptions right inside the platform. Read the full release at http://www.marketwatch.com/story/american-express-global-business-travel-launches-new-functionalities-for-disruption-management-platform-ax-connect-2015-02-17.
Check out these related articles for more:
Payables News Weekly: Visa and MasterCard in Crimea, and Business Travel Booms in China
Payables News Weekly: Sustainable Business Travel and Google’s New Partner
Payables News Weekly: Quantitative Easing in Europe and the Federal Reserve Loves Bitcoin
Payables News Weekly: The Federal Reserve has Record Profits, SWIFT Updates Sanctions Service
