21世纪经济报道·2026-01-14 00:29Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of payment methods in China over the past 40 years, emphasizing the shift from passive to active service in public welfare, driven by technological advancements and the digitalization of payment services [1]. Group 1: Evolution of Payment Methods - The initial phase of payment methods relied heavily on offline outlets, with cash transactions being the norm, leading to long queues and inconvenience for users [3]. - The rise of the internet post-2002 facilitated the transition to online payment methods, with banks and payment operators expanding their services to digital platforms [4]. - The second decade of the 21st century marked the emergence of open platform payment services, exemplified by the launch of Everbright Bank's cloud payment service in 2014, which integrated various payment channels and projects [5]. Group 2: Digitalization and Intelligence in Payment Services - Recent years have seen a deepening of digitalization and exploration of intelligent payment services, with Everbright Cloud Payment integrating over 19,000 payment services across various sectors [6][8]. - The service ecosystem has evolved, with suppliers building digital platforms to enhance efficiency, and channels expanding to include diverse payment scenarios [7]. - The introduction of generative AI has transformed user interactions, enabling more intelligent and proactive payment solutions [8]. Group 3: Everbright Cloud Payment's Strategic Logic - Technological innovation is central to Everbright Cloud Payment's success, utilizing distributed architecture, cloud computing, and AI to enhance service responsiveness and stability [7]. - The service has developed a multi-tiered support system to cater to diverse user needs, including localized services for minority populations and educational institutions [8][9]. - By 2025, Everbright Cloud Payment aims to expand its service offerings significantly, achieving nationwide coverage for various utility payments [9]. Group 4: Transition to a Comprehensive Service Platform - Everbright Cloud Payment is evolving from a simple payment tool to a comprehensive service platform, enhancing user experience through various features and promotional activities [11]. - The platform plays a crucial role in equalizing public services between urban and rural areas, allowing residents in remote regions to access the same quality of payment services as urban dwellers [12]. - Future developments will focus on integrating advanced technologies like 5G and IoT to further expand service boundaries and enhance user engagement [12][13].