http://news.inq7.net/infotech/index.php?index=1&story_id=17085
Will Microsoft bring stripped-down Windows to RP? Updated 04:31pm (Mla time) Nov 04, 2004 By Erwin Lemuel Oliva INQ7.net MICROSOFT Philippines is unsure about offering a stripped-down version of the Windows operating system to the Philippines to boost the government's People's PC project, several officials told INQ7.net Wednesday. "We're still studying if we will use the Windows Starter Edition or not," said Antonio Javier, managing director of Microsoft Philippines, in an interview. Asked whether or not Microsoft intends to eventually bring the cheaper version of the operating system to the country, Javier said: "It is an option, as of now" but hinted that the software company will have something for the government's People's PC project by the first quarter of 2005. The Windows Starter Edition is currently being piloted in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, according to Mark Yambot, director of corporate affairs of Microsoft Philippines in a separate interview. The executive said Microsoft Philippines has no concrete plans until the result of the pilot study is available. "But we're Print this story Send this story Write the editor View other stories not ruling out anything at this point," Yambot said. The Commission on Information and Communications Technology, the country's highest policymaking body, has stated earlier that it intends to convince Microsoft to bring the less expensive version of its operating system to the Philippines to boost the government project. "I spoke with the regional people about it and Microsoft was non-committal," revealed Virgilio Pena, chairman of CICT, in an interview. He was, however, optimistic that Microsoft will soon offer the operating system to the Philippines. "Right now, the People's PC offers Bayanihan Linux (homegrown Linux desktop operating system) as an alternative if they cannot afford to buy Windows XP. The dealers involved in the project are offering this now," Pena added. At the moment, CICT is pushing Bayanihan Linux as the "operating system of choice," the official said. Early this year, Microsoft launched the pilot program of the low-cost XP operating system designed for first-time desktop users in developing technology markets. Designed as a result of Microsoft's ongoing collaborations with international governments, the Windows XP Starter Edition was offered in at least five countries in the region. Microsoft began shipping Windows XP Starter Edition last month. The low-cost desktop PC was also made available through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Microsoft OEM distributors in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, in their respective local languages. In its website, Microsoft did not name the two remaining countries where it will offer stripped-down operating system. "Microsoft will continue to work closely with participating governments to ensure that the pilot program is a success. The company is establishing a 12-month pilot phase to study and evaluate the benefits created for first-time PC users, software and hardware industry partners, participating governments, and Microsoft. After the 12-month pilot phase, Microsoft may introduce a local version of Starter Edition in additional developing markets in collaboration with governments committed to improving access to technology for their citizens," the website added. -- Dong B. Calmada Linux Registered User #317296 Blogs: http://write-free.peace.net.ph/ National Coordinator PEACE Foundation, Inc. Board Member Philippine Linux Users Group (PLUG) -- Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] (#PLUG @ irc.free.net.ph) Official Website: http://plug.linux.org.ph Searchable Archives: http://marc.free.net.ph . To leave, go to http://lists.q-linux.com/mailman/listinfo/plug . Are you a Linux newbie? To join the newbie list, go to http://lists.q-linux.com/mailman/listinfo/ph-linux-newbie
