Nivio, Airtel and Microsoft team up for Online PC
Few days back, we covered Airtel’s ambition of being the CIO in the cloud, i.e. provide SaaS services to SMBs and here comes the first installment – Airtel’s online PC.
Nivio, Airtel and Microsoft have launched the so-called /claimed “world’s first online PC” that provides access to a personal virtual desktop from any computer connected to the internet for Airtel broadband customers.
Features of Airtel’s Online Desktop
- 5 GB space to store documents, photos, music, presentations, software.
- Original and latest software on a rental basis (pay as you go model)
- Free Anti-Virus protection, Unified billing with service usage included in monthly Airtel broadband bill.
Pricing of Airtel’s Online Desktop
- For Rs. 99 per month, customers get 5 GB of online storage space
- At Rs. 199 per month (Retail Pack), customers get 5 GB of online storage space, free Anti Virus protection, Windows-based operating system, automatic backup -accessible from anywhere in the world
- Professional and Business Packs at Rs. 399 and Rs. 699 per month respectively that provide a Windows-based Operating System and MS Office
What’s interesting is Microsoft’s involvement in this partnership – they have Live Skydrive as well as Live products suite – which, in a way competes with Nivio’s storage service (note that Nivio’s competing service, YouOS has now been shutdown).
Also, Google/Airtel have a cozy relationship, but MS has been able to push it’s OS and office apps in the combo – so expect more bullfight between the two companies.
What’s your opinion on this deal?
Also read: our coverage of online office products | $10 Laptop is a Storage Device
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Related posts:
- Tech News: Microsoft Launches Online Office Suite for Indian SMBs, Apple India Store Down
- Microsoft India Launches Online Business Services in India [Free Trial]
- Airtel Unveils it’s NetPC
- @Startup Updates: DeskAway’s Themes, Nivio’s Free storage, Pringoo’s Valentine’s Day Competition..and more
- BSNL Microsoft Partner for Managed SaaS Offering
About the author - Ashish Sinha is a Startup Mentor/Product Strategy Coach, and the founder/chief editor of pluGGd.in.
He has launched/managed couple of products (consumer as well as enterprise) in US and India, and now consults with startups/small businesses on their product/media strategy. He can be reached at: ashish (at) pluGGd.in [+91 98452 06443]
I'd love to see more...
What is this?
I already have a laptop and why should i have PC on the web? (just for those OS and Office?… when i can have linux and openoffice).
Sounds stupid to me….who the hell knows.
Why can’t they think of releasing a simple-computer (simputer) for free (OR for Rs2000) and then have this online PC? That is what Netcore’s Rajesh Jain was trying to do along with IITM….
Kasi
Kasi,
Watch this space
Our device is coming very soon 
Sachin
hey Sachin,
we met again here… (nivio username: rupeshmandal)
now i got the whole picture about your big marketing push… and good to see one of my response (to your survey how & why avid users use it) being added i.e. tie-up with Microsoft…
cheers,
most welcome rupesh — the device is almost here folks— only days now… watch this space
Seems to be something like http://www.ulteo.com/ by Gael Duval. Except for the syncing that Nivio provides for Airtel.