Microsoft joins government’s initiative to ‘break’ Amazon, Flipkart’s dominance – Times of India

Microsoft has joined the government’s open network for digital commerce (ONDC). The software giant plans to launch a shopping app for the Indian consumers, along with their social circle, harnessing the ONDC network to discover the best pricing among retailers and sellers. “By utilising the strength of our open network users, Microsoft, too, can implement their creative ideas like social commerce swiftly,” said T Koshy, MD and CEO, ONDC.
“Initiatives like ONDC can be a game changer amid this boom. Their UPI-like network for digital commerce is a win-win for both buyers and sellers as it will enable them to connect without dependency on any e-commerce solution,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. The Microsoft app will allow buyers to discover the best price offered by retailers and sellers on the ONDC network.
By 2030, the Indian e-commerce industry is anticipated to reach a market size of $400 billion, increasing at a 19 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
What is ONDC
With ONDC, the government is trying to create an interoperable open platform in a bid to break e-commerce monopolies and provide a level playing field to micro, small, and medium enterprises as well as small traders by bringing them online. Through this platform, consumers can potentially discover any seller, product or service by using any ONDC-compatible application or platform, thus increasing freedom of choice for consumers. A number of established companies are integrated with ONDC. Recently, Reliance’s Dunzo joined the ONDC network.
In April this year, the government launched the pilot phase of India’s own open network for digital commerce or ONDC, a UPI-type protocol, in five cities — Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Shillong and Coimbatore. The government has set up a nine-member advisory council, including Nandan Nilekani from Infosys and National Health Authority CEO RS Sharma, on steps required to design and accelerate adoption of ONDC.