MS intros affordable local language OS

Starter Edition for India, the latest version of MS

affordable and local language operating system introduced in India last year,

has been created following extensive feedback from first time users in India,

and provides multi language support allowing them to seamlessly switch between

English, Hindi and Tamil as the com­puting interface. Under­sco­ring its

commit­ment to help India bridge the digital divide by creating locally

relevant and affor­dable solutions, Microsoft also announced the launch of

Works 8, an entry level productivity applica­tions suite in India.

To make these solutions far more broadly available,

Microsoft also announced that it will work with HCL and other OEM partners for

retail availability. Starting April, HCL will ship 'Windows XP Starter Edition

for India' based entry-level desktops and note­books, which will be

pre-loaded with Works 8 and other products and services such as Quick Heal

anti-virus, education content from Edurite, and broadband access from BSNL and

MTNL. These solu­tions will be available in 75 cities across the country, at

price points as low as Rs 399 per month.

The

launch of Windows XP Starter Edition for India follows the introduction of

Windows XP Starter Edition which inclu­ded a Hindi language inter­face, in May

last year. PCs with Windows XP Starter Edition were available through govern­ment

assisted PC programs in select states such as Uttaran­chal and Tamil Nadu. The

new version of the product has been developed specially for India following

feedback from existing users of Windows XP Starter Edition.

Windows XP Star­ter Edi­tion for India introduces

beginner PC users to compu­ting by providing a simple operating system for

entry level PCs. In addition, to enable the most popular PC activities - such as

word processing, email and Inter­net access.

DQW News Bureau New Delhi, March 15