India|February'2009: Bharti Airtel has 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 will pave the way for easy and affordable access to computing and broadband in India. This service will be available to all Airtel broadband customers across 95 cities in the country.

On the occasion, Mr. Atul Bindal, President, Telemedia Services, Bharti Airtel said, “With this initiative, Airtel hopes to increase computer and broadband penetration by making it easy, affordable and with low access barriers. 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.”

Commenting on the announcement Mr. Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Microsoft India said, “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. 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.”

The Online Desktop from Airtel brings many firsts for broadband users in India:

- 5 GB space to store documents, photos, music, presentations, software at a central place
- The freedom of accessing your data anywhere, anytime
- Free Anti-Virus protection which makes stored data safe and secure
- Original and latest software on a rental basis – pay as you go
- Reduced IT infrastructure cost with no cost of CPU
- Unified billing with service usage included in monthly Airtel broadband bill

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

Airtel Business Services (ABS) is a separate business unit at Airtel, created to offer tailor-made telecom and IT solutions to Small and Medium Businesses. ABS is forging new partnerships with leading IT and Telecom solutions providers to offer SMBs an exhaustive suite of vertical and IT infrastructure solutions.

Reachout's News Bureau
 February' 2009