The Hindu Business Line : Intel, MS in pact for affordable PCs

Intel India and Microsoft Corporation India have announced an `Affordability Alliance' to bridge the digital divide in India by creating affordable computing solutions and ensuring easy availability of affordable PCs across the country.

The two companies will work with banking institutions to create new financing options so that consumers can have easy access to PCs and use these towards realising their potential, a company release said here. "Building on the success of their existing and individual initiatives such as the Government-assisted PC programme, and the Student PC programme; Intel and Microsoft have identified the levers for the growth of affordable computing including innovative financing for complete computing solutions including telecom connectivity, and greater access through market segmentation," it said.

The alliance will focus on tailored solutions for specific segments. For instance, first time PC users will be able to purchase Intel Celeron or Pentium based PCs with Windows XP Starter Edition at easy instalments.

Sstudents and teachers will be able to buy an education PC with specialised content from education service providers.

Both the companies are also in discussions with telecom service providers to integrate telecom services and broadband access into these solutions to maximise impact.

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