Microsoft has announced commercial availability of Microsoft Online Services in India, as a part of its continued effort to enable easy access to its cost-effective business productivity software. This offering will allow SMBs and enterprise customers to access Microsoft’s popular e-mail, collaboration, conferencing and productivity capabilities online directly from www.microsoft.com/india/onlineservices and pay a use-based monthly subscription fees.
This launch is part of Microsoft’s Software plus Services strategy which aims to provide flexibility and choice of accessing and using software in a flexible model.
The Microsoft Online Services product family offers Exchange Online (for e-mail) and Office SharePoint Online (portals and collaboration) available separately or as a suite together with Office Live Meeting (for conferencing), Microsoft Exchange Hosted Services and Microsoft Office Communications Online (for instant messaging and presence).
Commenting on the launch, Mr Stephen Elop, President, Microsoft Business Group, said, “In today’s competitive global market businesses need cost-effective technology that allows flexibility and adds value to their organizations. The alternative delivery model of Microsoft Online Services will give businesses streamlined communication with high availability, comprehensive security and simplified IT management. Customers who have already started using the services are realizing savings from reduced hardware and software investments and are also benefiting from flexible payment models. In a nutshell, it allows them to do more with less.”
HCL Infosystems, Infosys and Wipro are amongst leading partners to market and offer value-added services around the Microsoft Online Services. The services will be available in India from November 7, 2009 onwards. After a trial launch in July 2009, more than 1,800 customers in India have tried out these Online Services and have experienced increased operational efficiency, besides a saving of 10 to 50 per cent on IT costs.
