/ciol/media/agency_attachments/c0E28gS06GM3VmrXNw5G.png)
Follow UsNEW DELHI: Businesses of all sizes, especially small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) can now save up to 50 per cent of their IT-related costs with the launch of Microsoft Online Services, claims the company in an announcement.
It has also announced a free trial period of two-months for the range of services, which include e-mail, collaboration, conferencing and productivity capabilities. It says that starting immediately, date customers can try the offering at no charge, allowing them to experience the potential impact Online services can have on their businesses before the commercial launch in October 2009.
The company adds that modeled on the 'pay-as-you-go' approach, Online Services provide affordability, enhanced productivity, and freedom from hassles of IT deployment. It says that online services will allow businesses to stay in touch with customers, associates and teams across geographic boundaries round the clock and provide instant access to information, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Commenting on the launch, Mohammad Saif, Deputy Director, Consulting - ICT Practice, Frost & Sullivan, South Asia & Middle East said, "Lower TCO and capital expenditure, rapid deployment cycle, and a wide variety of offerings by various global vendors have constituted the driving force for on-demand softwares in India. Increasing awareness about the delivery model and flexibility of trial version have helped in allaying the apprehension of customers and is expected to play a major role in the growth of the on-demand software market, which is expected to grow from the current level of $40 million to $800 million by 2015, with SME fuelling the growth."
"This launch also marks the second phase of Microsoft software plus services vision following the tremendous success we have seen of our hosted offerings including Hosted Exchange and Hosted ERP among Indian enterprises". said Sanjay Manchanda, Director, Microsoft Business Division.
"Over 80 per cent of the businesses in India are SMBs that are increasingly looking to use world class IT for better business productivity. With tools such as email and collaboration becoming increasingly a must-have in this segment, the pay-as-you-go affordability and freedom from IT administration,” he added.