MS brings Windows XP Starter Edition to India

Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd has announced the availability of Windows
XP Starter Edition in India. Targeted at beginner home PC users in developing
markets, this low cost version of Microsoft XP operating systems is aimed at
enabling easy access to computing across India. Microsoft has partnered with HCL
and Intel to develop PCs with Windows XP Starter Edition.

The company also announced that the state of Uttaranchal will be the first to
make these PCs available. The Uttaranchal government is introducing PCs as part
of its People's PC program- Gyanotkarsh, under which all state government
employees will be able to purchase these PCs at a starting EMI of Rs 399.

Ranjivjit Singh, Business and Marketing Operations Director, Microsoft
Corporation India said, "Today the PC penetration in the country stands at
less than 1.4 percent with relevance and affordability being the key barriers to
the adoption and use of PCs in the country. We need to create offering that
people can easily use and can more easily access. The Windows XP Starter Edition
is intended to help address these two issues."

With this launch India joins countries like Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia and
Indonesia where Microsoft has made Windows XP Starter Edition available.
Microsoft had expressed its intent to make Windows XP Starter Edition available
in India in September 2004. Over the last six months, the company has conducted
extensive research with individuals, household and partners in cities and towns
across India and the final product has been developed following their feedback.

CyberMedia News

New Delhi