SUMMARY
Reliance has started testing JioMart service on WhatsApp
Ola is now accepting bookings in Guwahati for those with e-passes
US-based video conferencing app Zoom has established two data centres in India
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After the multi-billion dollar deal, Reliance has finally started testing its online marketplace JioMart on the Facebook-owned messaging platform WhatsApp. As of now, JioMart is available in three areas in three suburbs near Mumbai — Navi-Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan.
For using the service, a user needs to save JioMart’s WhatsApp number 8850008000. JioMart will then send a link, which is valid for 30 minutes, to users using which they can order groceries online.
The link redirects users to a webpage where they have to fill details like name and address before placing the order. Once the order is placed, the details are shared with the grocery store on WhatsApp. Meanwhile, the customer is also notified with the order and the store details on WhatsApp.
Launched in January, JioMart is said to be offering around 50K grocery products to the customers. Essential items owned by private labels of Reliance Retail are also available on the platform.
JioMart also promises free home delivery, besides and express delivery service. Currently, available in Mumbai only, the service is expected to be rolled out in all circles across the country. The company has also started to roll out own retail stores to facilitate the delivery of groceries.
Ola Operations Returning To Normal
Cab aggregator Ola is now accepting bookings of people with valid electronic passes (e-passes) in Guwahati. Passenger’s spouse and children are also allowed to travel with Ola cabs.
As the lockdown is nearing its end in many parts of the country, Ola is looking to roll out similar services in other cities, especially Tier 1 cities. Meanwhile, Ola continues to offer its emergency services in more than 15 cities across the country.
Zoom Plans India Expansion
After the recent success in India, US-based video conferencing platform Zoom is now eyeing further expansion in the country. In an interview, Zoom Video Communications’ India head Sameer Raje said that the platform wants to grow as an Indian company.
Raje noted that the Indian government, large companies, and individuals are already using Zoom. He added that the company has established two data centres — one in Mumbai and other in Hyderabad — to support Indian operations.
As of now, the company is looking to ramp up expansion in India by hiring new people in the team. It has also started to work with central and state government authorities. It is worth noting that the central government recently said that Zoom is not a safe platform and users need to create new user names and protect their conferences with all the security measures available. “For now, Zoom is focused on helping as many people and businesses as we can stay connected – whether hospitals, schools, financial institutions, governments or users looking to stay in touch with colleagues, friends and family,” Raje added.
