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HCL Accountant launched

Launching the software in Madras this week, Murasoli Maran, a former industry minister, said the launch marks HCL Infosystems' entry into a new line of business and the company is well on its way to qualify as India's Microsoft.

T O D A Y

• Able but not willing • BPL besieged • HCL Accountant • Phone tariff hike likely

Targeted at small and medium enterprises and the 'small office home office segment', HCL Accountant is a Windows based package that supports all aspects of bookkeeping and financial analysis, company officials claim.

HCL Infosystems President and CEO Ajai Chowdhry says the package is different from other solutions because it comes with a computer based training kit that makes the product an end-to-end solution.

He said PC penetration in the country is only 1.5 out of 1,000 and the Department of Electronics has set a target of at least 10 out of 1,000.

Chowdhary advised that "To increase the penetration level, we need a solution PC. Not just a box.''

Currently available in a single-user version, HCL Accountant is accompanied by a CD-ROM that offers guidance in Hindi and English. Guidance has also been put in a printed user manual.

Besides these, users will be provided training and implementation support service through the 'HCL authorised implementation and training providers'.

HCL Infosystems' Frontline Division will provide telesupport and other value added support services.

Chowdhry said the package would be initially made available in the South and the North, and the company is working on an upgraded version for a networked environment.

HCL Accountant is priced at Rs 12,995.

The company says it is exploring the possibility of bundling the package along with its computers.

Chowdhary said that to be a dominant player in providing global IT services, the company would focus on and consolidate its hardware and software services and packaged software would be given thrust.

Following privatisation of ISP business in the country, the company, under a new initiative called WWW.OW, provides a range of services, including setting up of infrastructure for ISPs, solutions for cybercafes, information kiosks, Net on TV and corporate intranet, Internet and extranet.

During the financial year ended June 30, 1998, HCL Infosystems posted net profit of Rs 261.2 million on a turnover of Rs 6.94 billion. In the first half of the current fiscal ended December 31, 1998, the company declared a net profit of Rs 274 million on a turnover of Rs 4.32 billion.

- Compiled from the Indian media

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