Customers can access the suite directly from www.microsoft.com/india/onlineservices, and pay a use-based monthly subscription fee. HCL Infosystems, Infosys and Wipro are amongst leading partners to market and offer value-added services around the Microsoft online services.

This launch is part of Microsoft's 'software plus services' (S+S) strategy, which aims to provide flexibility and choice of accessing and using software in a flexible model, ie both on premise and off the Internet as a service or as a combination of both.

"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," said Stephen Elop, President, Microsoft Business Group.

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). The services will be available in India from November 7, 2009 onwards.

"The SMB sector today is poised for growth and views IT as a strategic tool to achieve business goals. We are committed to innovate and constantly bring out cutting edge IT solutions to empower SMBs. Microsoft's online services will further expand our services portfolio and we believe HCL's scale and reach in the country will further facilitate the adoption of online services," added George Paul, Executive VP, HCL Infosystems.

"Wipro has created a strong platform to address the requirements emerging in the cloud computing space. We're seeing strong customer demand for migration, customization and integration services. Microsoft online services gives us the agility to address this demand with fewer resources," said Venkatraghavan SK, GM—MSBU, Wipro.

Microsoft's S+S momentum in India:

· Private and public cloud infrastructure by Reliance for enterprises and SMBs, on the Microsoft platform

· Hosted CRM in India with Net4India

· In-built, free service called My Phone that offers online storage to back up all contacts and phone information in Windows Mobile 6.5

· Hosted e-mail and collaboration solutions in partnership with Airtel and BSNL