'I have a deep attachment to this place'

q&a Manoj Kumar, the creator of Jazeera Mail, discusses the thinking behind launching Arabia's own email service.

Manoj Kumar has set up a number of Arab-centred websites.

Manoj Kumar is the 41-year-old creator of Jazeera Mail, a recently launched webmail service based out of the Middle East. The service currently has 6,000 subscribers and sees 700 hits a day.

It is Arabia's own e-mail. The webmail market is fairly saturated internationally, but there aren't enough webmail services that target people living in this region. Unlike other sites, Jazeera Mail is uncluttered and non-invasive. There are no pop-up chat applications that distract you from the email you are writing. Also, a great feature is the ability to send video mails. This is superb for the elderly or people who dislike typing. You press the record button, say your message and send the video off. It's an easy and convenient one-stop service, especially since many new computers come with built-in microphones and webcams.

Actually I'm a chemical engineer by training. The idea for Jazeera Mail came during a low-point in my career when I wanted to do something different. IT was alien to me. It was an investment in self-education. Earlier I had created a website called Souqscan.com which was envisaged as an information site for product launches. It didn't take off well due to lack of interest. Since starting Jazeera Mail, I've also been working on ArabIndustry.com which would be a user-input Arab business website. A place where companies can post press releases and information about themselves. I also have OldFriendsAndNew.com which is a social networking website I started in 2007. It's exciting to go from a non-creative place and job to something I look forward to every day. Unfortunately, I have no free time any more.

They are hosted abroad. Jazeera Mail is registered in the US and hosted on a dedicated server there. The design and programming is done by developers in Kerala, India. It's a collaborated effort. I come up with a basic idea and general indication of design and the developers do all the work. We've drawn up annual maintenance contracts and so far there have been no issues. The developers have become a part of my extended family now.

Jazeera Mail's unique selling point is the name. The brand "Jazeera" carries a lot of pride and recognition with it. To be honest, I'm definitely piggy-backing on the reputation and recognition of Jazeera TV. In fact, many people initially thought we were linked. Jazeera Mail is by no means a market leader. It needs a bigger advertising and promotions budget before that can happen. It is still very young. I hope to eventually run the website as a starting point for other information for the people of the region to have access to. Things like news, sport, entertainment and money. These are all parked at the moment on the top of the home-page, but once they are operational, they will give visitors a lot more to do through the website.

I hadn't really thought about that. I want people to realise from the first time they open the page that the service is for a Middle Eastern audience. Soon we will be launching an Arabic version of the website, we're just waiting for a really good translator. I've lived in Dubai for 30 years now and I have a deep sense of attachment to this place. I wanted to do something to give back to people here. I've spent a lot of money on this pet-project, but it's something I don't mind at the moment - there are no immediate plans of monetising.
Find out more about the service at @email:www.jazeeramail.com