Kolkata, May 20 (IANS): Global software major Microsoft on Wednesday said it would continue to strengthen its relations with various industry associations across the country to promote the active use of cloud computing, an official said.

Cloud computing can reduce capex (capital expenditure) dramatically for small companies as well as enterprises.

"We have been partnering with various industry bodies and this year too, we'll continue to strengthen our relations with the industry associations and professional bodies," head of Microsoft Office division at Microsoft India, Alok Lall, said here.

He said the major challenges which cloud computing is facing in India are connectivity issues, particularly in upcountry areas and lack of awareness among small- and medium-scale businesses (SMB).

Cloud computing provides significant opportunities for such businesses to reduce their capital expenditure and focus on their business. "While we continue to focus on growing the enterprise, we will also continue to spread awareness about cloud computing in the SMB sector," he said.

In its endeavour to further its relationships with industry associations, the company has recently partnered with Federation of Small and Medium Industries (FOSMI) in West Bengal to spread the usage of cloud computing.

"Enhanced mobility, increased communication levels and speedy business decisions are the hallmarks of today's business environment. The need for such a level of transformation requires SMBs to adopt cloud computing," Biswanath Bhattacharya, FOSMI president, said.

According to a report from a consulting firm, Boston Consulting Group, SMBs which have a higher level of IT setup than their counterparts have generated revenue 20 percent faster.

It also said if more SMBs in India adopt the latest technology, there is a potential to grow revenue by $56 billion and generate 1.1 million new job opportunities.