Microsoft makes play for SMBs

Microsoft India announced a host of initiatives 8212; including a new business solutions platform and software licencing programme 8212; to tap the growing Indian small and medium business SMB segment.

8216;8216;We are doubling our investments and head count as well as our reach in this segment,8217;8217; Microsoft India MD Neelam Dhawan told reporters.

Microsoft will enhance its manpower to 100 and double its presence to 33 cities in the next one year 8212; all to cater to SMBs, she said.

Dhawan said the company would also widen its partnership network of 3,000, but refused to give the investment numbers.

Microsoft8217;s interest in the segment comes in the wake of its burgeoning growth. Dhawan said there are 1.8 million such Indian entities.