Google service for SMEs provides website creation, Internet domain, email facilities

Great initiative to eNable SMEs in India !


Mail Today Bureau     
November 3, 2011 


Google India on Wednesday launched free Website services for India's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) where firms can set up their own Websites free of cost.
 
The programme titled India Get Your Business Online provides free Website creation, Internet domain, email facilities and a host of other services for SMEs in the country.

"Generally, small and medium business groups are reluctant to go online as they find it difficult to start and maintain their Websites. We will provide easy solutions to them to register their services online," Rajan Anandan, managing director (MD) and vice president (sales and operations), Google India, said.

According to the global Internet search major, in the first year the service will be provided free of cost. But from the second year onwards, the user companies would have to pay a nominal fee, depending on the type of service package they opt for. However, Google declined to say how much it would charge from the second year onwards.

Google provides a range of templates and designs from where the firms can choose the layout for their Websites. Interested small business owners would need to submit their PAN (permanent account number) and other tax-related details for verification, after which they would be provided with an online tool for a free Website and Web hosting service for one year.

"While India is home to an estimated eight million small and medium businesses, only about five per cent have a Website. This programme is designed to bridge the information gap that exists online due to the lack of presence of local Indian businesses on the Internet," Anandan added.

Google is targeting to bring an estimated five lakh small and medium businesses in the country online over the next three years. The company has partnered with the US-based Web host HostGator for the initiative.

In order to reach out to a larger audience, the services will also be provided in Hindi and regional languages.

However, Google did not provide a specific roll-out date of this facility.