eSys chalks Linux promotion plans

eSys Distribution Ltd, the first vendor to launch a Linux-based PC in the sub Rs 20,000 category, has chalked some serious exercises that would popularize Linux as an OS. 

eSys has placed a major bet on Linux as the very basis of its positioning which is price point has been largely made possible by bundling Linux as an OS.

As a first step towards popularizing Linux, the PC vendor plans to hold training sessions for its customers at its 21 centers across the country.

Initially, the training would be launched in five cities-Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and
Bangalore.

Said GS Paul, MD and CEO, eSys India Operations, "We are deeply committed to Linux as an OS and want to popularize it amongst users. To that extent we want to train our customers on the use of Linux-based applications. We have been working on this initiative for the last six -seven months and will launch it soon." 

The training will be for one or two days and will be provided free of cost.

Another initiative in the offing is the bundling of a large number of applications on the Linux platform. The applications to be bundled with the eSys PC include a financial accounting package and as many as 60 games. A Delhi-based company has developed these applications. 

One of the major reasons for the slow take-off of Linux as an OS has been the lack of applications on the desktop. Of late, there has been a slew of Linux-based PC launches by established vendors. However, other than lowering the price point by bundling Linux, no other PC vendor has shown any real interest in promoting Linux as an alternative and viable OS for the desktop.

eSys had launched its low-priced PC in October last year and according to the company, it has had 'very good response'.

Besides the price point, Paul said that it has also done well because of the superior quality of the product which has demonstrated lower failure rate as compared to competitors. 

The company currently ships over 3,000 PCs per month and between 8,000-10,000 kits per month.

Balaka Baruah Aggarwal

(CNS)