Microsoft partners with e-commerce companies to drive Cloud innovation

To drive innovation in the fast-evolving e-commerce industry, Microsoft has entered into broad-ranging agreements with JustDial, PayTm and Snapdeal, a special cloud initiative for start-ups aligned to smart cities, and availability of its flagship devices – Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL, and Microsoft Surface Pro 4 in December and January, respectively.  Microsoft also showcased the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 at the event.

Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft Corporation, said, “At Microsoft, we strive to empower every Indian citizen and every business and government organization to achieve more. With the newly launched Microsoft Cloud and with Surface Pro 4, our customers here in India have the digital technology they need to seize incredible new growth .”..Read more

Microsoft will start pilot on White Spaces and Machine-Learning Technology in Andhra Pradesh

Microsoft will be working with Andhra Pradesh on TV White Spaces Project, a technology that uses unused TV spectrum to deliver low-cost Internet connectivity to users.

Anil Bhansali, Managing Director, Microsoft India R&D, and Prashant Shukla, National Technology Officer, and other executives called on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to discuss the company’s initiatives.

Anil Bhansali Prashant Shukla with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu 300×300 Microsoft will start pilot on White Spaces and Machine Learning Technology in Andhra PradeshIn a first-of-its-kind pilot, Microsoft, DOT, DEITY and ERNET are working with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to bring low-cost broadband internet connectivity to four educational institutions in the district of Srikakulam which had no internet connectivity earlier. With Z. P. High School at Voppangi as the base station, the other three campuses were receivers located at distances of 10 kilometres or more from the base station…Read more

2014 – Celebrating the year that was: Microsoft

By Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman at Microsoft India Management guru Tom Peters said, “Celebrate what you want to see more of.” And, as we stand on the threshold of 2015, I want to reflect on the string of positive moments we have seen over the past 12 months. It is a year that I wish had lasted a little longer! Reinventing productivity Triggered by new leadership, both India and Microsoft saw exciting developments in 2014. As part of Microsoft’s transformation journey, we focused on helping people and companies all over the world thrive in this mobile-first, cloud-first world by reinventing productivity and providing platforms to work from. When we talk about productivity, we are not just referring to being more productive at work. We see productivity as the engine of human progress, and helping people get more out of their time, whether it be for work, family time or to conquer their own pursuits. It’s not just a software category, and it’s not about simply producing more technology, but rather having the right tools and platforms to help anyone make the most of any moment. The ambitious goals set by the new Indian Government, including the focus on technology to promote economic growth, are heartening. India is on the path to becoming a digitally empowered knowledge economy and the landscape in India is evolving at a rapid pace. The mindset of users across the board has undergone a significant shift. This demands innovation at every step, and that is our driving force.

Microsoft rolls out Next-Gen Office 365 for Indian SMBs

Microsoft (NYSE:MSFT) has announced the general availability of the next-generationOffice 365 for businesses in India. Office 365 works across multiple devices, is social and integrates seamlessly with the cloud. It unlocks newer productivity scenarios and provides organizations with the desired IT control and management. Simultaneously, Microsoft has also made available business SKUs of Office 2013 for on-premise users.

The next-generation Office 365 is a productivity suite with Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Access, InfoPath and Publisher), Project and Visio. In addition, it includes updated Microsoft Lync Online, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and the all-new Yammer. Office 365 can be installed on up to five devices for a single user under the Office 365 licensing.

“In today’s rapidly-evolving business landscape, the next-generation Office 365 unlocks social and mobility scenarios that will allow businesses and individuals to take full advantage of the cloud. It gives them the freedom to do things, when, where and how they want,” said Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd.

Customers can purchase the next-generation Office 365 directly…..See More

Windows 8 goes live in India

Microsoft Windows 8 is now available for its customers in India and around the world. It has a new UI, a wide range of apps, available on a variety of Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.

Windows 8 PCs and tablets will be available in India from 14 OEM partners – Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HCL, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, RP Infosystems, Sai Info System, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Wipro and Zenith Computers on a variety of form factors – from tablets and hybrids to laptops and ultrabooks, on both touch and non-touch devices. In India, over 250 Windows 8 enabled devices, including 23 completely new SKUs of Windows 8 PCs are available across 100 cities and more than 2500 retail stores….See More

ex-Oracle MD appointed as Microsoft India Chairman

Microsoft has appointed Bhaskar Pramanik as chairman for its India operations. Prior to the current role, Pramanik served as Managing Director of Oracle India and Sun Microsystems.

Pramanik will lead all Microsoft operations in India, which include 5,300 employees spread across two centres in Gurgaon and Hyderabad, and 13 marketing offices. As chairman, Pramanik will oversee Microsoft’s sales, marketing and services subsidiary, provide overall leadership on all Microsoft assets in India.

“I am excited to be part of a company that has such a wide play across industries, segments, products and services. I look forward to partnering with the business leaders and the entire Microsoft team to grow our business in India and enable the success of all our stakeholders,” Pramanik said.

Pramanik will report to Jean-Philippe Courtois, President of Microsoft International.Jean-Philippe Courtois said, “Pramanik comes to Microsoft with a strong reputation as a business leader and organization builder. His deep experience and understanding of the Indian IT industry will be critical to continuing to build our leadership in India, as well as enriching our relationships with customers, partners and government.”

He is also active in industry bodies like NASSCOM and CII, and has also held several general management, sales and marketing positions with other companies in India and Singapore.