Alibaba backed mcommerce company, Paytm, has announced its partnership with Microsoft Corporation in line with its vision of a cashless economy.
The initiatives includes integration of the Paytm Mobile app and the Paytm Wallet into Microsoft Cortana, a voice-controlled virtual assistant created by Microsoft, along the lines of the intelligent assistant enabled on Apple devices called Siri.
Cortana is an intelligent personal assistant created by Microsoft. It is an app with which one can use their voice to make call, send text message, search web, or open an app. Microsoft’s Cortana will use the Bing search engine and data stored on the user’s smartphone to make personalized recommendations.
This will facilitate Paytm’s consumers to pay for their utility bills and make mobile transactions in an easy and hassle-free way.
Further, Paytm and Microsoft are identifying the use of Microsoft Office 365 for Paytm merchants to ensure easy inventory and account management.
Commenting on the partnership, Shankar Nath, Sr. Vice President at Paytm said, “We are delighted to partner with Microsoft and together, we will deliver solutions that power our vision of a cash-free India. Starting with the integration of Paytm Wallet in the Microsoft ecosystem, we have an exciting array of initiatives that will change the payment landscape in our country.”
Under the partnership agreement, Paytm will also facilitate and provide support to Microsoft service sales via their existing network of merchants across the country.
Besides Paytm, Microsoft announced partnerships with two other ecommerce players viz Justdial and Snapdeal.
Microsoft’s Satya Nadella said, “Ecommerce space in India is ‘mind-blowing’. The objective is to help create new marketplaces, services and experiences for customers. In essence, these ecommerce companies will leverage Microsoft’s cloud and mobile technologies as well as services like Bing, Skype and Cortana.”
Meanwhile, JustDial will leverage Bing and cloud-based analytics from Microsoft, and Snapdeal will use Skype, Bing and Cortana to enhance customer experience.
Recently, Paytm announced its decision to hive off its online businesses, which includes its digital wallet and mcommerce into two separate apps.
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