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VISA announced that it is launching Visa Business Hub, a one-stop portal for its business cardholders.
 
The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) will help small and medium businesses (SMBs) save up to 25% on their IT expenses, the company claimed.
 
This reduces upfront costs and implementation time for IT, and the pay-on-use offers flexible user packages, Visa said in a statement.
 
The portal also houses a Business Academy that will assist SMBs stay competitive through expert insights and advice, it added.
 
Visa said it has developed a platform that will help banks increase usage of commercial cards by promoting offers and discounts relating to SaaS and cloud services that could be paid for through a commercial card.
 
The portal offers resources including those related to sales, marketing and customer communication, work collaboration, project management and CRM (customer relationship management), human resources, accounting and legal, and website building and hosting.
 
“SMBs are a key segment for Singapore, given that they contribute to almost 50% of its GDP (gross domestic product) and 70% of the workforce,” said Visa country manager for Singapore and Brunei Ooi Huey Tyng, citing Singapore Department of Statistics data.
 
“The launch of Visa Business Hub will be able to address the key strategies that SMBs are looking for, including improving customer service and increasing productivity through the streamlining of processes,” she added.
 
According to a Visa survey on Malaysian businesses, about half have international trade. CRM software is the least adopted software, but like other software, it increases in adoption with larger SMBs (30+ employees).
 
Awareness of cloud services is at 76%, and overall usage is at 34%. The survey also revealed that 40% of businesses might consider SaaS or cloud services in the future.
 
Visa said it understands that despite the progress made, a large number of businesses in Asia need help in understanding the benefits a technology upgrade can deliver to their business.
 
Often, new applications appear confusing and the fear of making an incorrect choice weighs heavily on decision-makers.
 
Visa Business Hub aims to provide businesses better advice on navigating uncharted waters and bring in cost-saving offers from select application providers, it added.
 

 

 
Vikram Kshettry, Head of Small Business Products, Asia Pacific, Visa said, “We are pleased to launch Visa Business Hub as it will help Asian businesses which seek to make tangible improvements in their processes. 
“Modern businesses face increased demands from their stakeholders to be digitally-enabled and this is often daunting,” said Vikram Kshettry, Asia Pacific head of Small Business Products at Visa.
 
“With the portal, SMBs can improve cash-flow and optimise business processes, while reducing IT spend and complexity. They can also access advice and coaching from industry leaders on how to stay competitive.
 
“For Visa clients, the portal will ensure deeper engagement with SMB customers and differentiate their solutions,” he added.

 

Source: https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/business/visa-launches-one-stop-portal-smbs-malaysia-singapore