Monday, 22 May 2006

Microsoft Unveils Pay-As-You-Go PCs

Microsoft Corp. has unveiled the first pay-as-you-go personal computer offerings powered by Microsoft FlexGo technology, enabling more-flexible Microsoft Windows-based PC purchasing options for customers in emerging markets. Customers can get a full featured Windows-enabled PC with low entry costs that they can access using prepaid cards or through a monthly subscription.

Microsoft said market trials are starting first in emerging markets where inadequate access to consumer credit, unpredictable income and high entry costs prevent many consumers from purchasing a computer.

"Today there are already more than 1 billion prepaid mobile phones used around the world, so we know FlexGo enables a familiar and comfortable pay-as-you-go model that works for people with variable or unpredictable income," said Will Poole, senior vice president of the Market Expansion Group at Microsoft.

"Offering unprecedented flexibility of PC ownership will bring high-quality personal computers within the reach of hundreds of millions of families and small businesses in emerging markets so they too can enjoy the many benefits PCs bring in education, entertainment, communication and productivity," he added.

FlexGo technology informs users of time used, showing them how to add more hours by simply typing in a number from a prepaid card. If time is not added, the PC gradually moves into a "reserve tank" or limited-access state until customers purchase more time either online or at local vendors. The PC is owned outright after a set number of hours are purchased.

In addition to launching a second market trial in Brazil this week, Microsoft will expand pay-as-you-go computing with FlexGo technology to India, Mexico, Russia and China over the next several months.