Bharti Airtel, India’s largest integrated telecommunications company, has announced its entry into the cloud communications market with the launch of its new offering, Airtel IQ.
Airtel IQ is described as a cloud-based omni-channel communications platform that enables brands to deepen engagement with customers through timely and secure communication.
Airtel gives the example of a customer ordering food through an online platform and calling the delivery agent to find out the status of the order. The entire communication is orchestrated seamlessly and securely over Airtel IQ. The communication is encrypted, and all mobile/telephone numbers are masked.
Airtel says that Airtel IQ eliminates the need for multiple communication platforms for different channels. With just a slice of code, businesses can embed communication services such as voice, SMS and IVR in their applications and digital properties across desktop and mobile, all through a unified platform.
Airtel adds that many of India’s biggest companies such as Swiggy, Justdial, Urban Company, Havells, Dr. Lal Path Labs and Rapido signed up as customers for Airtel IQ during the beta phase.
Airtel points out that the Indian cloud communications market, estimated to be worth US$1 billion, is growing close to 20 per cent annually, making this a timely entry into a very promising – but probably very competitive – market.