Microsoft targets 20,000 MSMEs in UP under its Cloud tech

Global IT major Microsoft has set its eyes on the large Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) base in Uttar Pradesh and targetting to cover 20,000 units under its Cloud technology.

UP is home to over 3 million MSMEs across verticals, including product and region specific industrial clusters spread across the state. Pan India, there are about 51 million MSMEs.

Microsoft has planned to work in consort with industry associations in UP to reach out to the MSMEs for offering cloud services. Cloud allows companies to store data at remote location and access it when needed in a secure environment.

"We have set the target of enabling 20,000 MSMEs in UP over the next one year," Microsoft India partner sales Sudhir Nayar told Business Standard here.

Referring to a study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), he said the study revealed that MSMEs had clocked 20 percent growth in productivity after adopting information technology in their business processes.

He maintained technologies like cloud would connect MSMEs better with their suppliers, distributors, government agencies and empower them to expand their geographical reach.

The company works closely with its network of over 10,000 partners nationally to assist MSMEs seek cloud intervention.

The company is in the process of holding workshops not only in UP but other states as well for creating awareness about cloud technology and CRM. Last week, Microsoft had organised a workshop for UP MSMEs under the aegis of Indian Industries Association (IIA) here.

The cost of cloud technology had been kept minimal and starting at Rs 300 per month per user, he informed.

"UP is a big and an important market due to the large MSME base. From my interaction with the entrepreneurs, I can say that they are quite open to adopting modern technology such as cloud," he underlined.