US-based enterprise helps publishers go online

NEW DELHI, INDIA: US-based enterprise Qbend on Thursday launched a "first-of-its-kind" platform for publishers to set up customised online portals to sell ebooks.

Claiming that the company will revolutionise the Indian publishing industry, Qbend chief operating officer Kaushik Sampath said globally "there is a huge shift happening, with publishers moving from print to digital platforms".

He said the Qbend online portal will provide highly personalised service to the publishers at a nominal charge.

"Our portal will allow the publishers to create their own brand and their own online store. Working on a revenue-sharing basis, we will even provide a six-month trial period before which the publishers don't have to pay anything," Sampath said.

Speaking at the launch, R. Seshadri, publishing consultant and member of the Association of Publishers in India (API) said:, "Qbend gives the publishers an easy way of going online."

"Qbend allows for managing digital rights, sell contents in parts and eliminate operational difficulties," he added.

Launched in 2010, Qbend is a subsidiary of Chennai-based publishing company, S4Carlisle, and provides several publishing and allied services.