Airtel launches windows based online desktop

BANGALORE, INDIA: Indian telecom major, Bharti Airtel on Tuesday announced the launch of the world’s first Windows based Online Desktop-powered by Microsoft and Nivio, giving access to a personal virtual desktop from any computer connected to the Internet for Airtel broadband customers.

This initiative would pave the way for easy and affordable access to computing and broadband in India, said a press release.

This service would be available to all Airtel broadband customers across 95 cities in the country, it added.

“With this initiative, Airtel hopes to increase computer and broadband penetration by making it easy, affordable and with low access barriers, " said, Atul Bindal, president, Telemedia Services, Bharti Airtel.

He further added, “Our Online Desktop platform, powered by Microsoft and Nivio, will be useful in making computing more accessible to SMBs, SMEs and SOHOs as well as individual home customers of Airtel broadband. This is part of our larger commitment to offer an enhanced broadband experience to our customers and to drive the adoption of broadband by innovating and collaborating.”

The desktop features 5 GB space, freedom of accessing data anywhere, anytime, free Anti-Virus protection, original and latest software on a rental basis, reduced IT infrastructure cost, Unified billing with service usage included in monthly Airtel broadband bill.

The desktop service is powered by Microsoft and Nivio and backed by 24x7 customer care from Airtel.

“Microsoft is committed to deliver solutions that help make it easier and more accessible for customers. This partnership with Bharti Airtel and Nivio brings us closer to this vision.” said, Rajan Anandan, managing director, Microsoft India.

“We believe that Bharti Airtel’s strong reach will be able to deliver the power of computing to users in far flung areas. For the small office segment and home professionals – this is a timely offer that will help them control costs and also increase productivity – so important in the prevailing environment.” he added.