AMEX Global Business Travel adopts new Cloud-based strategy
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) is embarking on a Cloud-based strategy in an attempt to create the right system infrastructure that will allow GBT to drive higher performance and efficiencies as a standalone travel management company.
As part of the strategy, GBT has partnered with a number of tech companies to upgrade its legacy business solutions that aim to be flexible and nimble Cloud-based solutions across key business divisions including IT, procurement, finance, human resources and administration.
It has inked deals with Cloud-based enterprise-resource planning company, NetSuite; Cloud-based spend management company, Coupa; enterprise Cloud applications vendor, Workday; enterprise integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) provider, Dell Boomi; and modern communication and collaboration solution provider, Jive.
American Express Global Business Travel chief administrative officer, Pat Bourke, said GBT made the strategic decision to begin its transformation immediately following the completion of the joint venture, which established GBT as a standalone company.
“GBT is uniquely positioned to shed all legacy technology platforms in favour of today’s solutions. The partners we’ve selected represent the best of what Cloud services offer – security, operational cost savings and agility. For GBT, Cloud computing is not simply an IT decision; it’s fundamental to our business strategy to improve availability and service outcomes and grow the bottom line,” he said.
He added that investing in Cloud-based solutions will also enhance GBT’s ability to innovate and change the way the company, its customers and business partners operate.
GBT began the process of selecting strategic partners shortly after the closing of the joint venture and has spent the past year integrating Cloud solutions through a phased approach. The company expects to complete its transition to the Cloud later this year.
