Microsoft gets empanelled as a cloud service provider by Punjab Government

The Department of Governance Reforms, Punjab has entered into agreement` for offering cloud services in the state. Microsoft is the first global cloud service provider to get empanelled for offering cloud services in the state of Punjab for a period of three years. The Department has empanelled four Microsoft partners, viz., Tata Communication Ltd, Embee Software Ltd, G7Cr Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and SISL Infotech Pvt. Ltd in its Cloud Services Directory, allowing government departments and agencies in Punjab to choose the Microsoft Cloud to advance their digital transformation, optimize IT operations, and transform communities.

Making government services available to citizens online is a key part of the state’s digital vision. Through Microsoft Azure, public sector organizations in Punjab can now draw on a wide range of deployment models and service offerings, including Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service, Dev/Test, Virtual Desktop-as-a-Service, and Managed Backup. The Microsoft Cloud provides industry-leading levels of security, privacy controls, compliance, and transparency for Indian government agencies to achieve higher efficiencies, with greater reliability and scalability.

Parminder Pal Singh, PCS, Director of Governance Reforms, Punjab, says, “Our vision of a truly transformed Punjab is one where all the residents of the state benefit from the services offered by its government. We believe the next step of growth will be to move beyond just the Internet and leverage the power of the cloud. To ensure that, we have empanelled Microsoft and other CSPs as cloud service providers and will work on Microsoft’s cloud technology to provide transformational e-governance services and financial inclusion opportunities to lakhs across Punjab.”

Singh adds that the state’s Land Records Information System and E-Sewa (previously called SUWIDHA – Single User-Friendly Windows Disposal & Helpline for applicants), will soon migrate onto the Azure platform. Microsoft technologies currently power several core e-Governance and critical projects in Punjab. The company has played a key role in the enhancement and efficient delivery of citizenship services, including the development of the E-District platform, SUWIDHA and the Grievance Management System. Additionally, Microsoft also supports the State Data Center of Punjab.

Manish Prakash, General Manager – Public Sector, Microsoft India, says, “This is an extremely proud moment for Microsoft as we partner with the state of Punjab on its digital journey. Our commitment to Punjab goes back a long way, and we believe with this accreditation, we are now well positioned to support the state in reshaping its governance and economic landscape and realize its digital vision.”