HCL Infinet launches consumer portal

NEW DELHI: HCL Infinet, the Internet subsidiary of India's HCL Infosystems

Ltd., said on Monday it had launched a consumer portal (www.hclinfinet.com)

to offer content, services and shopping.

The company said in a statement its Internet service provider (ISP) business

and the portal would combine well.

"We will shortly be rolling out our Internet access services in 42

cities across India, making it one of the largest ISPs in the country,"

said HCL Infinet president Saurav Adhikari in the statement.

HCL Infinet said it estimated India's B2C (business to consumer) market would

grow to Rs 2 billion ($43.5 million) in three years from the current Rs 300

million.

"The company plans to leverage its relationship with key existing

players in the physical and B2C world countrywide to gain a large share of this

growing market," the statement said.

HCL Infosystems, the Internet firm's parent, is an integrator that mixes

hardware and software to offer specific solutions to customers.

HCL Infosys shares ended at Rs 326.55, down Rs 24.25 from Friday's close, in

line with an overall fall in technology shares on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

(C) Reuters Limited 2000.