Microsoft Targets Brazil for Low Cost XP
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.