WhatsApp launches new tools for businesses

NEW DELHI: WhatsApp stated on Tuesday that it is building and testing new tools via a free WhatsApp Business app for small companies and an enterprise solution for bigger companies operating at a large scale with a global base of customers, like airlines, e-commerce sites, and banks.

WhatsApp stated these businesses will be able to use its solutions to provide customers with useful notifications like flight times, delivery confirmations, and other updates.

In the coming months, the messaging app, which boasts 1 billion daily users will also test new features that aim to make it easier for people to communicate with the businesses they want to reach on WhatsApp.

"Our approach is simple – we want to apply what we've learned helping people connect with each other to helping people connect with businesses that are important to them. We know businesses have many different needs. For example, they want an official presence — a verified profile so people can identify a business from another person — and an easier way to respond to messages," the company said in a statement.

Matt Idema , WhatsApp's COO said: “WhatsApp has simplified communication for people around the world. Now, we want to apply this same approach to bringing businesses onto WhatsApp in ways that create value for people. We're looking forward to making it possible for people to connect with businesses in a fast and personal way, and giving businesses the tools to make that easier to do.”