Home computing services provider Novatium Solutions plans to launch cloud-based netbooks, USB pen drives and a slender access device with internal hard disk. The products are branded as Neon, cNergy and Navigator+ respectively.

“These are part of our innovation process and we undertake a few of them at any point in time,” Alok Singh, CEO said.

“The advantage of the netbook is that it boots the fastest at about 30 seconds. It is priced at about Rs 17,000.”

With a broadband connection and a processing device called Nova Navigator, users can access operating systems and work on applications such as MS Office on a monthly rental basis. Consumers need to own only a monitor and a broadband connection for home computing. The access device comes with a keyboard and a mouse.

Novatium has tie-ups with BSNL, MTNL, Airtel and Tala Teleservices and the services are available across more than 12 circles. The company offers zero-maintenance computing services at monthly charges starting at Rs 175 apart from broadband cost.

Novatium plans to expand to foreign markets in a year. The company announced last month that Ericsson has picked up a minority stake in it. Ericsson will get two board slots.