Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNL) in partnership with Microsoft announced its new offerings related to Managed SaaS (Software as a service) enabling the PSU to offer internet based core Productivity, Collaboration and Line of Business Applications to business customers.

As part of the initial offering, BSNL launched “BSNL Managed Business Mail” promising to offer any time anywhere access in an integrated company communications environment in a secured ecosystem. 

The services will be offered on a monthly subscription based model.

The tie-up says that users stand to save on the upfront costs related to hardware, licences and installation for IT infrastructure. It will also do away the need for a in-house IT management manpower.

According to Kuldeep Goyal (Chairman & Managing Director, BSNL), “We are proud to announce a long term partnership with Microsoft to offer a wide range of Managed services based on the SaaS model and are confident of the value that this will deliver to our customers. We are equally proud to launch BSNL Managed Business Mail as our first SaaS based managed service, and the first under this partnership. Managed Business Mail is an innovative messaging and collaboration service for Indian businesses that will provide enterprises and SMBs with rich enterprise-class email applications that deliver 24X7 access and significant productivity benefits – all at an affordable price”. BSNL Managed Business Mail will be available in four editions at prices ranging from Rs. 420 to Rs. 1610 (exclusive of taxes).

BSNL’s Managed Business Mail will also be available for the mobile platform. This implies that the service will be accessible on smartphones and productivity devices - like those running the Microsoft Windows Mobile platform. “We are pleased to offer our services on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile - as the platform provides a unique and best in class experience of business and consumer productivity, and seamlessly and efficiently extends the benefits of the service to end consumers on the move”, added Mr. Goyal.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Rajan Anandan (Managing Director, Microsoft India) said, “Customers find value in a combination of software plus services delivered via the internet, thus making owning and managing IT more affordable and convenient. We believe that BSNL’s foray into the S+S model will provide ample value to businesses looking to leverage technology to maximize productivity while ensuring lower spends - especially in today’s cost controlled environment. We are excited about our partnership with BSNL for their managed services business and look forward to further strengthening our association”.