RSSMicrosoft Targets Brazil for Low Cost XP
By David Worthington | Published April 14, 2005, 3:00 AM
Microsoft is lobbying government officials in Brazil to consider an entry level version of Windows for a government-subsidized social welfare program known as PC Conectado. The PC Conectado program will distribute up to 1 million low-cost computers in an attempt to bridge the digital divide among Brazilians.
Microsoft has already provided the operating system -- dubbed Windows XP Starter Edition -- to the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to participate in programs that benefit underserved populations. But it is also widely perceived that the software is an attempt to abate software piracy and forestall the advance of open source alternatives in emerging markets.
There are rumors that Jordan and Russia also may adopt Windows XP Starter Edition.
The software was originally intended for Thailand's Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) program, which Microsoft initially opted out of prior to the government's decision to select Linux TLE and the OpenOffice.org productivity suite for its first batch of subsidized PCs. Linux TLE is a Thai language distribution of Linux.
XP Starter Edition is tailored toward people with limited or no computer experience and is a stripped down, localized, no-thrills distribution of the operating system. It bundles self-paced tutorials to assist first time PC buyers as they begin to gain computer literacy. Microsoft has removed personalization features that allow multiple user accounts on a single PC, reverted back to the default Windows desktop and limited multitasking to just three applications at a time.
Despite its altruism, Microsoft has been criticized by Gartner for the software's inability to grow with users as they advance their technical skills. A Gartner report recently concluded that due to its limitations, users may become frustrated and feel that Microsoft is attempting to push an upgrade. In turn, this may trigger a backlash that actually encourages more software piracy.
The report is entitled, "Windows XP Starter Edition Shows Good Intent, Poor Execution" and is freely available from Gartner's Web site.
No final decision has been made on Microsoft's participation in PC Conectado.
How about they target the USA?!
Windows should not cost $199 and $299!
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Well if you only have to buy it once every 5 years, then the cost is dramatically lower if you spread it out ;)
Although, I guess if you take into account the cost in man hours spent patching and updating a 5 year-old OS, it eventually balances out.
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This article is erroneous:
1. Brazilian Government already told Microsoft to stick Windows. They are not using it [PERIOD]. Microsoft wants to deploy XP starter edition to low-cost PCs as an alternative to the government-sponsored PCs.
2. Russia already have a starter edition on its way. This is not a "rumour".
3. Do your homework.
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Must be too many linux users in Brazil.
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trying to cut down on piracy...due to the dollar everything is very expensive. Since people don't make that much money down there, then its easier to get a pirated copy of an application. all this is, is MS trying to control piracy...but i agree with the USA comment...make it cheaper and people won't pirate things!
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this is interesting, a typical business tactic. Hand out some freebies or discounts or samplers to get them hooked. Not to compare MS to a drug dealer, but this is a tactic that dealers strongly rely on: Give a couple freebies out to the new customers, get them hooked, then charge.
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