FORTI and Microsoft Aim to Enable 30,000 SMBs in Rajasthan to adopt cloud by early 2017

Federation of Rajasthan Trade & Industry (FORTI), an apex chamber in Rajasthan, and Microsoft have come together to enable 30,000 small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the state to adopt technology. With support from BB Professionals, one of Microsoft’s leading partners, the adoption of modern technologies will make businesses more profitable and productive by connecting them better with suppliers, distributors, government agencies and increasing their reach to customers across India.

Rajasthan is home to thousands of SMBs and with a huge cultural heritage, the state is home to businesses across verticals. This provides a window of opportunity for Microsoft to equip them with requisite technology to advance their business. A recent study by Zinnov states that SMBs can enhance their performance by 75% due to technology adoption. Keeping the needs of the SMBs in mind, Microsoft is working closely with its partners to advice and guide SMBs in the state through their cloud journeys. BB Professionals, a leading partner of Microsoft, has registered 30% year-on-year growth in its business, riding on high adoption of Microsoft Office 365, Azure and CRM amongst its customers. It aims to extend this success to more SMBs in the state.

Vijay Goel, General Secretary, Federation of Rajasthan Trade & Industry (FORTI) said, “Technology, in todays business scenario, is a not a luxury – but a prerequisite. Technology enables businesses to transform and scale up at a minimum cost and accelerate growth. To this end, it is crucial to make technology more accessible for faster adoption. We are excited to partner with Microsoft to drive the next wave of growth for organizations in Rajasthan.”

Speaking at the event, Suresh Agarwal, President, Federation of Rajasthan Trade & Industry (FORTI) said, “We are living in a technology enabled world and it is important for organizations of all sizes and sectors to adopt technology if they wish to succeed. Our association with Microsoft is the first major step in this direction. The need for this transformation has prompted us to work closely with Microsoft and we are happy that they are supporting our members in their business journey. “

Ashim Bhasin, Managing Director, BB Professionals said, “Rajasthan, with its cultural heritage, is amassed with small and medium businesses. With the right technology products and solutions in place, SMBs have the potential to witness exponential growth. It is extremely humbling and encouraging to be associated with industry bodies, such as FORTI. This is will provide us with not just right set of customers, but also an opportunity to showcase the power of modern technology and encourage its adoption. We look forward to working closely with SMBs in the state and help them drive efficiency and business growth with Microsoft’s offerings.”

Meetul Patel, General Manager – SMS&P, Microsoft India, said, “Technology is a key factor for businesses to succeed; it opens up new avenues of growth for Small Businesses around the world and India. With the recently launched Windows 10 on PC and phone, devices like the Lumia 950 and our cloud-based services, SMBs can access new markets, engage with customers more efficiently, and manage their costs better. Microsoft, in association with FORTI and with the commitment of our partners like BB Professionals aims to enable SMBs in Rajasthan to be profitable with technology helping them accelerate their business.”

Microsoft Office 365 helps SMBs collaborate, communicate, and connect better in their ecosystem and expand to more markets and customers. The combination of online applications and always-on customer support gives SMBs the desired competitive edge and helps open newer business opportunities. This initiative will not only help SMBs expand their business, but also help the country progress toward the “Make in India” vision of transforming itself into a global leader.

As per a study by global consulting firm, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) states that SMBs that embraced IT solutions grew faster than the ones that lagged in terms of IT adoption. The study also shows that SMBs that decided to take the IT plunge created more new jobs and more revenue growth over the past three years compared to SMBs that trailed in this regard. The BCG study, ‘Ahead of the Curve: Lessons on Technology and Growth from Small Business Leaders’ found that if more SMBs in India adopt the latest IT tools, there is potential for this sector to grow revenues by $56 billion and create as many as 1.1 million new jobs.

About Microsoft India
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft set up its India operations in 1990. Today, Microsoft entities in India have over 6,000 employees, engaged in sales and marketing, research and development and customer services and support, across nine Indian cities – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Microsoft is committed to touching and transforming lives and businesses in India through technology.