VSNL and Microsoft have jointly launched the ReadyAccess Business Messaging & Collaboration Services, a hosted exchange messaging service aimed at the SME segment in India.

Using the service, SME customers can securely exchange conventional e-mails, files, calendars and task lists, enabling employees to collaborate efficiently on various business tasks.

Making the announcement, Abid Qadiri, VP, managed services, VSNL said, "Messaging is one of the most critical and widely used business applications today and enterprises are under increasing pressure to manage and optimize the necessary infrastructure. Our service delivers an SLA driven, professional grade business messaging service for customers."

Qadiri believes that the service makes more sense for smaller companies because they don’t have to purchase and install a set up at their premise, thus eliminating the need for any ongoing operational, management and administration costs.

The new service will also provide SMEs with a service platform, which according to VSNL will form the foundation for integrated applications such as Share Point, expanded mobility with Hosted Blackberry Enterprise services and Instant Messaging in a phased rollout.

Microsoft has played the technology partner and contributed its software expertise and messaging platform for the initiative.