Nivio offers Windows Office apps in the cloud - via any browser

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 29 June 2010 13:47

Business IT - Technology

Switzerland-based cloud computing company, Nivio, has entered the Australian market offering small businesses access to Microsoft Office applications in the cloud, via any Java capable browser on a Windows, Mac or Linux PC.

The company also offers a range of free apps, including Skype which run on its servers rather than the user's desktop machine - and it operates and app store through which third parties can make their apps available. These apps are hosted and run on Nivio's servers, not on the user's desktop machine. Users can also rent storage space in the cloud.

According to Nivio Australia director, John Costa, "Users don't need to pay for expensive antivirus and anti-spam software, or server/PC support, as Nivio also takes care of that too. Personal plans start at $9.90 per month and business plans start at $55.00.

He told iTWire: "All you need on the machine is a Java compatible browser. This launches a Windows XP look-and feel desktop. A low to medium level PC is adequate to run these apps. All the processing is done on our computers in the data centre."

He said that a 256kbps Internet connection would be sufficient to deliver optimum performance. "We think our product is perfectly suited to the small to medium business that does not have a lot of capex and that does not have the resource to look after a lot of IT."

The company has three channels to market, according to Costa. "We are going to market through wholesalers where they co-brand the service and release it as their product.

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