Reliance Jio announces Microsoft partnership, offers free cloud and internet services to budding startups

At the Reliance AGM held earlier today, RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a long-term partnership with Microsoft. The partnership brings enterprise users access to Microsoft’s cloud-based software and hardware infrastructure via the JioFiber network.

Paired with JioFiber, these services will be offered for free to budding startups, and at a tenth of the average market price to everyone else, stated Ambani. SMBs would normally pay Rs 15,000 - 20,000 for services that Jio is offering from Rs 1,500 onwards. Larger businesses can customise a plan to suit their needs.

Jio will even invest in startups that attract its attention.

Microsoft will complement Jio’s fiber network with Azure powered data centres and cloud infrastructure. Ambani says that this partnership will allow India to build native, cloud-based applications that are designed and built for Indians and Indian businesses.

“All Indian businesses now have the capacity to accelerate their digital transformations and become globally competitive,” said Ambani.

Everything you wanted to know about @reliancejio's #JioFiber service. Plans to be announced on 5 September. pic.twitter.com/pUyIzAACDj

— Tech2 (@tech2eets) August 12, 2019

Our partnership with Jio will bring the power of Azure, Azure AI and Office 365 to millions of businesses in India – helping them innovate and grow. https://t.co/9EYYwPZvX2

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) August 12, 2019

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