Microsoft targets SMBs with its cloud services

Meetul Patel says cloud is affordable, and allows for scale

At a time when larger enterprises are rapidly moving towards cloud computing, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) have started realising its benefits, and that’s how technology could change their businesses.

Microsoft targets SMBs and enables them to adopt its cloud services that it claims to be affordable. Meetul B Patel, general manager, SMS&P (Small and Midmarket Solutions and Partners), Microsoft, who was in the city for the Microsoft Partner Summit, said the technology company’s ambition is to reach millions of small businesses.

“Earlier, medium and large businesses used to buy hardware, software, and expensive PCs, but now cloud is available with a few hundred rupees. There is no need to invest huge money and also they can scale up their businesses with more sophisticated solutions,” said Patel.

N Parthasarathi, secretary-general of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) says SMBs do understand the advantages of using the latest technology. “Everybody uses technology and basic things like email. We need to create awareness about how technology can increase productivity, and help in expanding their businesses,” Parthasarathi said.  FKCCI acts as a facilitator in reaching out to SMBs and creating awareness among them about the latest technology that software companies come up with and how it could benefit their businesses.

“With our 10,000 partners, we need to get the word out and disseminate information on the cloud to SMBs. Our partners will also build products for the local market,” said Patel, adding our scale of focus is broader and also people are familiar with our products like Office, which is now available in Android.”