Microsoft introduces online services for SMEs

Microsoft India has recently introduced Microsoft Online Services for SMEs in India. According to the software giant, the new service will allow small and mid-sized firms to access business productivity software at a very affordable price. Microsoft officials also believe that the new service will further help the company to consolidate its position in the Indian market and increase its reach within the SME segment.

An effective communication tool

The new Microsoft Online Services product portfolio consists of Exchange Online, Office SharePoint Online, Office Live Meeting, Exchange Hosted Services and Office Communications Online. The service will allow SMEs to access Microsoft’s e-mail, collaboration, instant messaging, conferencing and other productivity tools online. The software suite is priced at Rs 100 onwards and is based on a pay-per-use model.

“In the highly competitive business scenario, Indian SMEs are increasingly looking for affordable solutions to increase their workplace productivity. The new online service has been designed to streamline the communication process, offer comprehensive security and simplify IT management,” said Anand Dusi, a senior officer at Microsoft India.

Mr Dusi added that the launch is a part of the company’s Software plus Services strategy. Therefore, it provides the flexibility of deploying a combination of on-premise and hosted solutions to bring about efficiency and consistency in business.

Seeing clear business benefits

Mr Dusi further said that small businesses in India often end up spending a huge sum of money on software installation and hardware maintenance. However, by switching to a hosted model, mid-sized firms can save up to 10-15% of their total IT expenses.

According to a recent data released by global consultancy firm Browne and Mohan, the market for hosted e-mail will grow at a CAGR of over 50% for the next 5 years. It also stated that by 2012, nearly 28% of e-mail solutions can be run on the hosted model.

“Small businesses like us will benefit from the flexible payment models launched by Microsoft. As the online services suite will be based on a hosted model, the cost of implementation and maintenance would be low and it would also save a lot of time,” said S Badrinath, systems consultant at Diksha Technologies, a mid-sized IT solutions provider in Bengaluru.

Apart from the metros and big cities, Microsoft will increase the penetration of the service in the tier II and III cities so that SMEs across the country can benefit from this initiative.

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