In a bid to increase usage and desktop penetration in India, Intel said it would spearhead an initiative to sell cheaper computers in India, Asia’s third-largest economy. Intel said systems would be priced 20 percent less than the lowest priced Intel-based PCs now in sale in India with similar configuration. The cheapest desktop now costs about Rs 10,000.
CEO Paul Otellini who was on his first visit to India described the pivotal role India plays in Intel’s World Ahead Program that was launched to introduce low-cost computer in emerging markets.
"India will play a key role in designing and developing computing technologies used worldwide under Intel’s World Ahead Program," Otellini said. "In India, the program unifies Intel’s local efforts to enhance the lives of the vast majority of India’s population who would benefit from information technology and education, but have not found it within their reach."
Intel said the desktop will be available in two months and will be marketed by Wipro Ltd. and Zenith Computers Ltd. Intel will also collaborate with ICICI Bank Ltd. to facilitate loans for buyers.
Intel said it will work with Tata VSNL to bring Intel-based PC solutions and WiMAX wireless broadband connectivity to Tata’s RailTel cyber cafes across India.
Intel said it would also introduce its recently launched pay-as-you-go pc powered by Microsft FelxGo in India. The pay-as-you-go model makes PCs more accessible by reducing the initial cost and enabling customers to pay for computers through subscriptions or as they use them, through the purchase of prepaid activation cards or tokens.
