Microsoft’s Bonanza to Education Sector

Announces Student Innovation Suite

Beijing: Vista, the new Windows ‘avatar’ was a pricey upgrade for most lay users; the cost of various versions ranged from Rs.5,000 to Rs.16,000. But grumbling about the upgrade cost – and the need to beef up the PC hardware to make it work –seem to have moved maker Microsoft to come up with a canny plan to maintain is hold on the world’s desktops.

At a Government Leaders’ Forum here last week, Chairman Bill Gates announced a new scheme, which involves virtually giving away a starter’s version of Windows, albeit the earlier Windows XP, together with an office productivity suite, in developing nations.

Package Price:

There is one provision the package price or $3 (Rs.135) will only be applicable if the “Student Innovation Suit” comes pre-loaded on PCs that form part of a package in which 50 per cent of the total cost is subsidized by the government for primary and secondary school students. If the core Windows XP alone is required the pricing is lower at $1 (Rs.45)

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Microsoft’s Bonanza to Education Sector