Tata Communications, Google web connectivity pact for Indian businesses

Mumbai: Tata Communications and Google India today said that they would combine their global resources to offer a portfolio of web-based, collaborative business connectivity tools that provide email, instant messaging, calendar functionality, video and office presentation tools for business' across India.

"The portfolio of business tools, powered by Google Apps, is a significant move by both companies to bring value-added applications to Indian enterprises while offering localised pricing, billing and support," he companies said in a statement.

The service is simple to subscribe, easy to use and streamlines the complexities of IT while allowing businesses to pay for only what they need. Indian organisations, particularly the emerging enterprises, will now have expanded access to Tata Communications' cloud-based software services, helping them migrate their IT requirements to a pay-as-you-use business model.

David Wirt, senior vice president, global head of managed services, Tata Communications, said, ''The launch of this service marks the coming together of two global entities to change the way enterprises communicate and collaborate both within their own organizations as well as with their partner and customer ecosystems. The relationship leverages Tata Communications' market presence and expertise in India with Google's innovative enterprise offerings, to provide a unique and easily-accessible business application for organizations in the local Indian market.''

Building on Tata Communications' leadership position as a SaaS service provider, the portfolio will help organisations reduce IT cost and complexity and be more productive. It will be particularly beneficial to companies with fast growing teams, offices spread across the country, or staff who travel frequently, Tata Communications said in a statement.

Dave Girouard, president, enterprise, Google said, ''We are delighted to be working with Tata Communications and look forward to years of close collaboration and ongoing innovation. Our interests in serving Indian businesses are complementary. We are confident that this offering will help reduce their IT cost and complexity. Not only will organizations avoid the traditional challenges of managing on-premise technologies, but they can give their workers anytime, anywhere access to the communication tools and information they need to get their jobs done."

The service will streamline business setup and minimise maintenance without the need for additional hardware or software. It will be accessed via the Tata Communications website over a web browser or smart phone and will provide secure, real-time collaboration among workgroups of all sizes. Orders can currently be placed through the customerfacing sales team.