iSTATION LAUNCHED IN CHENNAI

A revolutionary device with a revolutionary concept - that's the iStation for you!  For all those of you who keep checking your mail every minute or two, here is a made-for-you solution from iNabling Technologies.  Otherwise known as iNablers or information enablers, iNabling has brought a revolutionary product the iStation, which sends mail without PC's. 

A small, sleek, light weight and portable device similar to a mini laptop, the iStation has a fully functional keyboard with easy to use functional keys. It can be connected to a telephone anywhere and at anytime to access e-mail.  Though the iStation allows one to send and receive only text based e-mail's, one also has the option of checking any other attachments in the web-based e-mail that is also offered.  The USP of the iStation is the multi language option; you can now send e-mails in your own regional language. 

The iStation plugs into a standard telephone jack and comes with 256KB memory.  It has an embedded modem and backlit LCD display for night time viewing.  It also comes with a 9V UM 9 back up battery with a back up of 2 ½ hours.  Currently available in two models, the iStation Premier version costs Rs. 7,990/- while the Classic version costs Rs 6,990/-.  The Premier version has printer and PC ports while the Classic model has just the basic e-mailing facility.  Several other utilities have been incorporated, like a calculator, calendar and address book, which are available with both models. 

Responding to a query about whether the iStation could be affected by viruses, a company official said that the iStation could send and receive only text and not any executable files and was therefore safe from any virus threats.  The flash memory of 256 KB, which can store up between 100 to 150 e-mails, can be enhanced in the future with memory cartridges of 4MB, 8MB up to 64MB.  This would possibly cost an additional Rs1,500/- to Rs 2,000/-.  The total cost that a customer who is buying an iStation is going to look at, is the one time investment of Rs 7, 990/- or Rs 6,990/- and an additional subscription of Rs 100/- per month, which works out to Rs1200/- per year.

80% of Internet usage in India is for the purpose of checking mail, iStation with its regional language options and its portability seems to be a sure fire winner. It is no wonder that iNabling is pretty much excited about this offering.  Another important aspect is that, there are 5 million personal computers in the country, of which only 20% are connected to the Internet.  Some of the reasons for the low penetration of Internet are attributed to the current Internet infrastructure that covers only main towns and leaves large geographical areas untouched. 

It was with this scenario in mind that the team at iNabling Technologies set about designing a product, which is simple, inexpensive and low on communication costs.  The result was the iStation. With servers set up in Bangalore, Mangalore, Dharwad and now in Chennai, the service is expanding and there are plans to connect the whole country. 

The marketing strategy of the company is aimed at both individuals and business establishments.  An integral part of this strategy is creating a wider dealer network, installing Public E-mail Offices (PEO) and advertising to create awareness.

"The iStation can be a major asset for corporates as it means a low cost of communication, especially for people on the field like sales force, for periodically sending reports and small and medium enterprises for keeping in touch with suppliers and customers.  It is especially for those who have purchasing power but are afraid of technology, the iStation makes it easier for them to feel comfortable about technology", says John Aravamuthan, Chief Executive Officer, iNabling.

In Tamil Nadu alone their services will be offered in over 400 towns with a server in every telecom district and all this at the price of just one local call for accessing mail.  By the end of the current financial year, the company hopes to sell about 50,000 units. 

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