A startup called FluidCloud has created a simple, one-click platform that employs AI-based agents to help companies quickly clone their cloud infrastructure environment, so it can be ported in its entirety to another cloud platform. FluidCloud co-founder and Chief Executive Sharad Kumar told that the FluidCloud Platform reverse engineers the customer’s environment into a “standard infrastructure definition,” so it can be rapidly remapped across any cloud architecture in seconds. The platform is rooted in AI and “infrastructure as code” principles and helps transform cloud infrastructure designs into strategic and portable assets that can be deployed anywhere. To automate this process, FluidCloud has built an intelligent system of cloud AI agents that are trained to understand and replicate a customer’s entire cloud infrastructure environment. “These agents leverage a programmatic Cloud API mapping engine that we’ve painstakingly developed, covering every layer of compute, networking, storage, IAM, and security policies across multiple providers,” Kumar explained. FluidCloud’s AI agents are prepared to tackle even the biggest workloads running in the cloud, including global-scale applications such as Uber or Trello, Kumar said. Such applications typically have hundreds of microservices deployed across compute, network and storage services on a cloud such as AWS, he said. Using its AI agents, FluidCloud can identify each service and its configuration, copy it and then clone it on the target cloud platform. Once that’s done, FluidCloud provides DevOps teams with a new CI/CD pipeline tailored to the new cloud provider. With a small number of application code tweaks, an app built on AWS can seamlessly run on Google Cloud Platform or Microsoft Azure. Afterwards, the customer will be able to decide if they want to become multicloud or decommission the old application infrastructure.
Mastercard’s new service to offer enhanced protection against APP fraud through AI-powered real-time transaction scoring to identify more high-risk transactions and by harnessing AI and network data insights to identify and close ‘mule’ accounts
To support banks and deliver the payment protection consumers expect, Mastercard unveils Mastercard A2A Protect, a new global service launching first in the UK. By combining cutting-edge fraud prevention technology and a new clear dispute resolution framework, Mastercard A2A Protect will enable banks to provide consumers with the appropriate levels of protection against fraudsters. Mastercard A2A Protect will initially focus on the most acute needs, such as Authorised Push Payment fraud, providing a combination of preventative measures, consumer protections and a process to recover funds. Subsequent phases will establish a process for recovering funds across a broader range of scenarios, including where goods and services have been paid for. Ultimately, the service intends to support participating bank customers before, during, and after each transaction, by: Preventing fraud: 1. Enhancing CFR’s transaction scoring capabilities and helping to identify more high-risk transactions, complementing banks’ own efforts 2. Leveraging Trace, a Mastercard solution which harnesses AI and network data insights to prevent money laundering and financial crime, and supports banks to identify and close ‘mule’ accounts 3. Delivering an industry-wide standardised fraud and loss reporting mechanism, which will provide banks with richer fraud insights Protecting consumers: 4. Providing banks with a simple framework and comprehensive set of multilateral standards to drive best practice and safeguard consumers. Efficiently addressing transactional and fraud protection issues, as well as goods and services protection issues, where relevant for consumers. Recovery of funds: 5. Introducing a uniform procedure for banks to resolve disputes and recover funds, across multiple use cases via Mastercard’s existing centralised platform, reducing costs and speeding up resolution
Chrome autofill to show reward details for more credit cards — expanded now to over 100; also expanding popular pay-over-time options beyond Affirm and Zip
Google Pay is getting a handful of updates today centered around Chrome autofill, like expanded card benefit details. Last year, Chrome’s autofill dropdown menu started showing credit card reward details to help you decide which payment method to use for a transaction. For example, you might see “1.5% cash back” or “3x points on flights” alongside a photo of the card and full name. Desktop and mobile Chrome now supports over 100 credit cards in the US after initially working with American Express and Capital One. In addition to Affirm and Zip, Klarna, Afterpay, and other providers will appear as “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) options in Chrome autofill. “Pay over time options” will appear beneath credit/debit cards in the menu. You’re then presented with a list of the various options, and can continue from there with a virtual card generated for this purchase. To make “global money transfer easier,” wallet.google.com and Google Search (when you look up currency exchange rates) will “show straightforward fee and exchange rate information with remittance providers like Ria Money Transfer, Xe and Wise.” “Compare quotes & send money” appears below the chart with the ability to specify the amount. In the Wallet website, there’s a new “International transfers” page. Google will also let you send funds with those services “from the U.S. to India, Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines.” …with Stripe processing the funding transaction. This is still in testing and coming soon.
SonicWall launches Generation 8 firewalls with unified cloud management, embedded zero trust access, real-time co-managed security, and industry-first cyber warranty for MSP scalability
Cybersecurity firm SonicWall launched new firewalls as part of its Generation 8 portfolio, positioning the company as a go-to platform for managed service providers and managed security service providers. SonicWall’s platform is anchored by its Unified Management system, a single cloud console that streamlines the management of firewalls, network policies, access controls and accounts to reduce operational complexity. Every firewall in the portfolio includes built-in Zero Trust Network Access licenses, enabling secure remote access that is easy to deploy and well-suited for modern cloud environments. To further support partners, SonicWall offers SonicSentry Co-Managed Security, providing optional 24/7 monitoring, patching and monthly reporting from its team of experts. Each managed firewall also comes with an industry-first embedded cyber warranty, delivering $200,000 in coverage through the Managed Protection Security Suite for added peace of mind. SonicWall’s Generation 8 release features eight new firewall models, ranging from the ultra-compact TZ280 to the high-performance NSa 5800. Each is engineered, the company claims, to deliver best-in-class security, performance, and scalability for small offices, distributed environments and midsized enterprises. Each model includes cloud-native management that has been built for service providers through SonicWall Unified Management, built-in zero trust capabilities, the latest SonicOS enhancements and is protected by SonicWall’s embedded cyber warranty. The entire Generation 8 lineup can also be purchased with MPSS, enabling co-managed security services delivered by the SonicSentry team of security professionals. SonicWall’s platform is built to address real-world MSP challenges, supporting everything from cloud-first organizations and remote workforces to distributed enterprises. The platform delivers small to medium-sized businesses and midmarket security firms with embedded zero trust, allows for centralized oversight in multitenant environments, and offers compliance-friendly co-management with built-in monthly health reports.
Anthropic’s command-line coding tool can now be purchased as part of a broader enterprise suite, allowing for more sophisticated integrations and more powerful admin tools
Anthropic announced a new subscription offering that will incorporate Claude Code into Claude for Enterprise. Previously available only through individual accounts, Anthropic’s command-line coding tool can now be purchased as part of a broader enterprise suite, allowing for more sophisticated integrations and more powerful admin tools. “This is the most requested feature from our business team and enterprise customers,” Anthropic product lead Scott White told. The integration positions Anthropic to better compete with command-line tools from Google and GitHub, both of which included enterprise integrations on launch. Launched in June, Claude Code has quickly become one of the most popular command-line programming tools, offering a more agentic approach than traditional IDE-based tools. That popularity has come with some growing pains, as individual users of the service have struggled with unexpected usage limits. The new enterprise offering is partially a response to these issues, allowing businesses to set granular spending controls that can be scaled up for intense usage. Anthropic is particularly bullish about integrations between Claude Code and the Claude.ai chatbot, which can now be managed more flexibly in an enterprise context. Businesses that subscribe to the new bundle can develop Claude Code prompts in conjunction with the Claude chatbot, or integrate the command-line tool more deeply into internal data sources.
ISV SKsoft integrates Corpay’s global treasury and payment automation, letting Dynamics 365 users initiate and manage international payments in one workflow with lower fees, better visibility, FX coverage and end-to-end AP automation
Corpay announced a strategic partnership between its Cross-Border business and SKsoft, a leading independent software vendor (ISV) delivering global bank connectivity and treasury automation solutions embedded within the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP ecosystem. This collaboration embeds Corpay’s payment automation and global treasury capabilities directly into the SKsoft environment, enabling clients to process and manage their cross-border payments through a single, unified solution, enhancing operational efficiency, visibility, and control. SKsoft’s bank connectivity engine allows for seamless integration into financial institutions across the globe. Now, with Corpay embedded, SKsoft clients gain access to process international payments in more than 145 currencies to over 200 countries, with additional access to currency risk management services, all through an end-to-end automated process. SKsoft’s embedded banking capabilities are purpose-built for Microsoft Dynamics 365, streamlining accounts payable payment processes and supporting enterprise cash flow optimization. Corpay’s solutions will further enhance SKsoft’s offering with expanded cross-border foreign exchange coverage, faster settlement, and the ability to manage currency exposure through a single platform. Aynsley Keller, COO, SKsoft said, “By integrating Corpay’s proven cross-border payment capabilities, we are giving our clients the ability to initiate and manage international payments directly from Dynamics 365, reducing costs, improving visibility, and eliminating the complexity of separate global banking systems.” This integration offers a comprehensive and turnkey payment solution, removing implementation complexity, reducing banking and foreign exchange fees, and unlocking a new level of automation for ERP users.
Income is not wealth for HENRYs as surveys show high earners feel strapped and need tech‑assisted budgeting, investing and debt reduction to build durable net worth
HENRYs are a large class of Americans who earn over $100,000 annually but still feel financially strapped due to lack of substantial wealth, assets, or investment knowledge. While 14% of all US households earn over $200,000 a year, 62% of people with salaries of over $300,000 struggle with credit card debt. A 2024 survey revealed that individuals would need to earn $520,000 a year to feel rich. Wisdom is a more accurate measure of overall financial health and economic security, and a high income does not guarantee wealth, especially if spent lavishly or offset by high debt. Wealth is a source of retirement income, providing security for future generations. In the US, upper-income families had 7.4 times as much wealth at the median as middle-income families and 75 times as much wealth as lower-income families. To become a HENRY, individuals should track their annual household income, savings and investments, living in high-cost urban areas, biggest monthly expense, feeling financially secure, having student loans or significant debt, actively investing or planning for retirement, and often feeling like their lifestyle doesn’t match their income. By integrating these technologies into their financial lives, HENRYs can shift from high earners to high net worth individuals with greater confidence and control. HENRYs are a transitional phase in their financial journey, and it is crucial for them to take control of their financial future. By leveraging technology and embracing digital tools, they can become high net worth individuals with greater confidence and control.
Walmart partners with OpenAI to deliver free, customized AI training certifications via Walmart Academy for all U.S. frontline and office associates starting in 2026
Beginning next year, all U.S. front-line and office-based associates at Walmart will have access to AI training through a new collaboration with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. As indicated by Chief People Officer Donna Morris, OpenAI is launching a new OpenAI Certifications program, and Walmart is working with them to create a customized experience for its own associates. Through Walmart Academy, the largest private training program in the world, with more than 3.5 million participants, associates will have free access to a tailored version of this certification. The training is designed to help associates succeed at work, grow their careers and thrive in an increasingly digital world. John Furner, president and CEO, Walmart U.S said, “By bringing AI training directly to our associates, we’ll enable our people to maximize the benefit of AI-powered technology – giving them the skills they need to rewrite the playbook and shape the future of retail.” While this certification will launch in 2026, associates can currently access training opportunities, including AI training, through the company’s Live Better U education benefit. The collaboration with OpenAI builds on Walmart’s nearly $1 billion commitment to skills training through 2026.
GPT-5-Codex automates coding tasks with self-correction, outperforms GPT by 17% on benchmarks; to be available in OpenAI’s paid plans with API access coming.
OpenAI introduced a new AI model, GPT-5-Codex, that it says can complete hours-long programming tasks without user assistance. The algorithm is an improved version of GPT-5 trained on additional coding data. It’s accessible through Codex, an AI programming tool included in paid ChatGPT plans. OpenAI says that GPT-5-Codex is better than its predecessor at complex, time-consuming programming tasks. “During testing, we’ve seen GPT‑5-Codex work independently for more than 7 hours at a time,” OpenAI staffers detailed in a blog post. GPT-5-Codex spots mistakes it makes during long coding sessions and fixes them automatically. According to OpenAI, the model’s ability to tackle time-consuming tasks makes it particularly useful for refactoring. That’s the process of changing an application’s code base not for the purpose of adding features but rather to improve its quality. Developers might, for example, wish to reduce a code snippet’s memory usage or boost response times. OpenAI evaluated GPT-5-Codex’s capabilities using an internally-developed refactoring benchmark. The model scored 51.3%, outperforming GPT by more than 17%. GPT-5-Codex can adjust the amount of time it spends on task based on its difficulty. As a result, the model processes simple requests significantly faster than GPT-5. “That means Codex will feel snappier on small, well-defined requests or while you are chatting with it,” the OpenA staffers wrote. The ChatGPT developer had employees send coding requests to GPT-5-Codex and ranked those requests based on their model-generated token counts, a measure of hardware usage. According to OpenAI, the bottom 10% used 93.7% fewer tokens than GPT‑5. The most complicated coding prompts, in contrast, cause GPT-5-Codex to spend significantly more time reasoning than GPT-5.
TD Bank deploys ‘automated treat machines’ across 14 branches using motion sensors to dispense free dog biscuits as customer engagement strategy
The “automated treat machine” at this TD Bank dispenses free dog biscuits to your canine companion. The device resembles the familiar self-serve cash kiosks we all use, complete with a digital screen. But it displays “dog-centric content,” according to the bank. A different kind of ATM has arrived at a bank in Boston. The TD Bank location at 535 Boylston St. now has an “Automated Treat Machine” (ATM) for customers’ dogs to enjoy. The first ATM was unveiled in 2024 in Philadelphia, and the company plans to expand to 14 other stores in the U.S. “This ATM is for our canine friends. You would see a dog biscuit be dispensed from this machine as opposed to cash,” said Tim Blake, TD Bank Market President for Consumer Banking and Retail. The ATM is essentially a smaller version of what the humans use, but instead of inserting a bank card, a motion-activated sensor detects when a dog is looking to make a withdrawal. Once the dog steps onto the mat, free treats drop in the bowl below. “Throughout the years, we already had treats and water for dogs as they arrived in our stores, but this is going to be where we take it to the next level,” said Bruno Horst, TD Bank Boston Retail Market Manager. The owners need to have an account with TD Bank, as dogs are not able to deposit treats for future withdrawals. If they are not looking for a treat, the dogs can indulge in some pet-friendly content on the ATM screen.