VSNL, MS launch web conferencing service

NEW DELHI: Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) and Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd have announced a strategic alliance to address the emerging communication needs of the enterprise, SMB and consumer segments.

As part of this alliance, VSNL's communications network will be combined with Microsoft software to create rich solutions and services.

VSNL today also announced its foray into the web conferencing market, with the launch of the Tata Indicom Web Conferencing Service based on the Microsoft Office Live Meeting Platform.

Both the companies said that, in the longer term, the alliance would also focus on solution areas such as communication and collaboration, software as a service for SMB customers, mobility and consumer digital media services.

VSNLand Microsoft will also undertake joint 'Go To Market' initiatives to evangelize and market these offerings in the target segments.

VSNL director, Kishor A Chaukar observed: "Our latest offering will enable our customers to meet the twin objectives of enhancing team communication and reducing travel time. This alliance is in keeping with our objective of offering end-to-end managed services to our customers".

VSNL will be providing this service for the first time in India under four licenses Named User license (fixed & dedicated capacity for unlimited meetings); Room License ("always on" meeting room); Monthly Minute Licence (pay per use) and Shared Seat License (pool of seats for multiple use). A number of payment plans are available based on the license, use and budget.

Tata Indicom Web Conferencing will make it easy for information workers in the SMB and enterprise, to conduct real-time, highly interactive and visually rich online meetings. It is a hosted software solution that minimizes infrastructure and setup requirements and lets people collaborate and share information regardless of location.

The service is based on the Microsoft Office Live Meeting - a global web conferencing service that is being used by business across the world to communicate efficiently, and reduce costs.

In the fiscal year 2004, Microsoft used Live Meeting to replace one in five business trips and saved over 40 million dollars worldwide in fiscal year 2005. Microsoft Corporation expects to save $75 million by using Live Meeting.

The Tata Indicom web conferencing service will be available in two versions; "Standard" and "Professional" through various licensing models from the VSNL. The service will be available immediately to customers across the country.

The two companies will in future focus on other areas such as integrated communications and collaboration, hosted software as a managed service and consumer digital media services.