Microsoft with Intel, HCL to expand Broadband PC

Lucknow, June 11: IT major Microsoft Corporation India has tied up with its peers Intel and HCL and public sector telecom giant BSNL to expand its 'Broadband PC' scheme in commercially viable areas of the country.

''Under the scheme, the Personal Computer is packed with Microsoft, HCL and Intel hardware and software, while high speed broadband internet connection is provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to the consumers,'' Microsoft India Windows Client Business Group Director Rishi Srivastava told UNI here.

Broadband PC is a perfect example of a broad-based and customer-centric collaboration between computer vendors and telecom operators, he said.

The scheme started a few months back and is operational at various places, Mr Srivastava said.

As IT penetration gets deeper in the country, such tie-ups will become more common and extensive. Ultimately, it is the consumers, who will benefit, he said.

Commenting on the domestic market, the Microsoft official claimed that the prices of PCs and laptops in India were already on the lower side and would not fall much in the coming years.

''Even the computer prices in the highly competitive US market have not dipped much in the last five years,'' he pointed out.

Mr Srivastava was here on Thursday to launch the 'Windows XP Starter Edition for India' PC for first time users.

The Edition provides a multi-lingual interface, allowing users to easily switch between the languages based on their requirements.

These entry level PCs will be available in three different configurations, for which Microsoft has tied up with HCL and Sahara Computers.

In the first phase spanning three months, the product will be available at 250 retail outlets in 75 Indian cities.

''About 1,000 schools will also be included in the first phase to create awareness about the entry level model,'' Mr Srivastava said.

In the next phase spanning 12 months, the Edition will be available at 1,000 retail outlets in 300 cities and will be priced at Rs 13,999 excluding taxes.

Besides, Microsoft has entered into an agreement with the SBI Card for an installments scheme, that allows price points as low as Rs 399 per month.

UNI