MAM
Hutch joins hand with Microsoft; brings Office on mobile phones
MUMBAI: Hutch has launched ‘Microsoft Outlook on Hutch’, a service that allows Hutch users to access their office emails on their mobile phones. A unique corporate solution developed jointly by Hutch and Microsoft, the service enables access to corporate emails using either SMS or GPRS service.
Announced jointly by Hutchison Essar director Asim Ghosh and Microsoft India managing director Rajiv Kaul, the service will enable Hutch subscribers to read, download, edit and send Microsoft Outlook emails with Microsoft Word, Excel or Power Point, says an official release.
With help of the service, all Hutch users can receive SMS alerts informing them about new email in their corporate mailbox and can read the entire mail on their mobile phones. The Microsoft Outlook on Hutch’ service is secure and accessible even when the user is roaming, claims the release.
The service can be activated by setting an option on the user’s corporate mail server (Microsoft Exchange 2000 / 2003), which allows a copy of office mails to be delivered to the user’s Hutch phone. Using this service, Hutch users can view emails over SMS for a monthly fee of Rs 49, informs the release.
The base service is available to Hutch GPRS users at no extra cost. For those who choose to use the ActiveSync facility to download, edit and send mail in MS Word, Excel or Power Point formats, a fee of RS 499 per month will be applicable.
Commenting on the service, Ghosh, said, “This brings to the mass business market the two great leaps of communication – business email and mobile telephony. Now for the first times, business users can manage their emails with a wide range of handsets – not a service reserved for the elite.”
According to Kaul, said, “The PC and the mobile phone are technological innovations that have dramatically improved the lives of consumers worldwide, and the corporate user in particular has been one of the greatest beneficiaries. The Outlook on Hutch service combines the two to offer a powerful new tool to corporate users – allowing them to use a single device to communicate and stay connected.”
“We are committed to providing our customers with a seamless computing experience. Customers should be able to leverage our technologies and their investments in infrastructure, no matter what access device they use. The launch of this service is a result of that commitment, ” Kaul added.
“We have always worked with leading international partners for developing innovative services for our users. We are happy to be working with Microsoft for bringing corporate solutions that help improve our subscribers’ productivity,” added Ghosh.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
