Who is TripIt owned by? Unpacking the Ownership of Your Favorite Travel App
For many travelers, TripIt is an indispensable tool. It's the magical app that takes all your scattered travel confirmations – flights, hotels, car rentals, even event tickets – and organizes them into a single, easy-to-access itinerary. But as you plan your next adventure, you might find yourself wondering, "Who is TripIt owned by?" It’s a fair question, and understanding the ownership can sometimes shed light on the app's direction and features.
The answer is straightforward: TripIt is currently owned by Concur Technologies, Inc.
A Deeper Dive into Concur and its Acquisition of TripIt
Concur Technologies, Inc. is a well-established company that specializes in providing business process software, particularly in the areas of travel, expense, and resource management. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes orchestrators of corporate travel and spending.
Concur itself was acquired by a much larger entity in 2014: SAP SE. SAP is a global giant in enterprise software, renowned for its business management solutions, particularly its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. So, while TripIt is directly owned by Concur, its ultimate parent company is SAP.
The acquisition of TripIt by Concur occurred in 2011. At the time, TripIt was a highly regarded independent startup, lauded for its user-friendly interface and its ability to intelligently parse travel confirmation emails. Concur saw significant value in TripIt's technology and its strong consumer appeal, integrating it into their broader suite of business travel and expense management tools.
Why Does This Ownership Matter to You?
For the average user, the ownership by Concur and, by extension, SAP, generally means a commitment to continued development and integration.
- Enhanced Features: Being part of a larger organization like SAP often provides TripIt with access to greater resources for research and development, potentially leading to new features and improvements.
- Business Integration: For those who use TripIt for business travel, the integration with Concur's expense management platforms can offer a more seamless experience, especially when it comes to submitting travel expenses.
- Data Security: Large enterprise companies like SAP typically have robust security protocols in place, which can provide users with confidence in the protection of their travel data.
- Continued Focus on User Experience: Despite being part of a corporate structure, TripIt has generally maintained its focus on delivering a high-quality, user-friendly experience for individual travelers.
Essentially, when you use TripIt, you are benefiting from the innovation and resources of a leading enterprise software company, channeled through a dedicated travel management platform.
A Brief History of TripIt
Founded in 2006, TripIt quickly gained traction by offering a simple yet powerful solution to a common travel problem: managing scattered itineraries. Its core functionality involves scanning your inbox for booking confirmations and automatically building a chronological itinerary. This innovative approach made it a favorite for both leisure and business travelers alike.
The acquisition by Concur in 2011 was a significant milestone, allowing TripIt to expand its reach and capabilities. While the corporate backing is substantial, TripIt continues to serve its primary mission of simplifying travel planning and organization for individuals.
What About TripIt Pro?
TripIt offers a premium subscription service called TripIt Pro, which provides additional features such as real-time flight alerts, seat change notifications, and lounge access information. The development and ongoing support for TripIt Pro are also managed under the Concur umbrella, benefiting from the resources of SAP.
In summary, TripIt is owned by Concur Technologies, Inc., which in turn is a subsidiary of SAP SE.
Frequently Asked Questions about TripIt Ownership
Here are some common questions users have about TripIt's ownership:
How does SAP's ownership affect TripIt's features?
SAP's ownership provides TripIt with access to significant resources for development and innovation. This often translates into enhanced features, improved reliability, and tighter integration with business travel and expense management tools, while still maintaining a strong focus on the consumer experience.
Why did Concur acquire TripIt?
Concur acquired TripIt in 2011 to leverage TripIt's strong consumer-facing technology and user base. This acquisition allowed Concur to expand its offerings beyond solely business expense management and tap into the personal travel organization market, integrating TripIt's smart itinerary building into their broader travel solutions.
Will TripIt remain a separate app under SAP?
Yes, TripIt continues to operate as a distinct app and brand. While it is owned by Concur and ultimately SAP, its core functionality and user interface are maintained, serving both individual travelers and integrating with Concur's business platforms when necessary.
What are the benefits of TripIt being owned by a large company?
The benefits include access to greater financial resources for development, enhanced data security protocols, and the potential for more seamless integration with business travel and expense management systems. This backing often ensures the app's longevity and continued improvement.
