IT Minister Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran unveils a key milestone for AMD’s Global 50x15 Program in India with affordable AMD-powered PC from HCL with support for Gunuine Windows® XP Starter Edition-
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NYSE: AMD) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in association with HCL and Microsoft, today unveiled a long-term vision to accelerate internet penetration in India and make affordable computers a reality here. As an important step in realizing AMD’s global 50x15 vision, AMD in association with HCL, the leading Indian computer manufacturer, announced the availability of India’s most affordable home computer for its value, by offering a ready-to-use PC for Rs.9,990/-*. This HCL PC is also available bundled with Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition at Rs.11,240/-*.
50x15 is AMD’s long-term commitment to enable 50 percent of the world’s population with affordable Internet access and computing capabilities by the year 2015. AMD will be working to enable various computing platforms to address the needs of India, a core region for the global 50x15 initiative. These platforms, based on AMD’s x86 microprocessors, will address key requirements such as affordability, Internet readiness, wireless capability, low-power usage, dust-resistance, security, and ease-of-use. AMD and a growing network of partners, including Microsoft and HCL, are delivering innovative solutions in high-growth markets such as India that empower consumers to lead better lives. To mark the importance of India’s role in meeting this challenge, AMD has extended an invitation to Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran, Minister of Information, Technology and Communications, to join a newly formed 50x15 global advisory committee. The committee comprises some of the world’s leading digital inclusion experts from industry, government, academia and the non-profit sector, all of whom will help guide the worldwide 50x15 program over the next ten years.
Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran unveiled the low-cost PC, based on an x86 1600 MHz processor from AMD, in New Delhi with Mr. Ajay Marathe, corporate vice president, AMD, and president, AMD India Ltd.; Mr. Ajai Chowdhry, chairman and CEO, HCL Infosystems Ltd.; and, Ms. Neelam Dhawan, Managing Director, Microsoft India.
Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran, who has championed the cause of affordable computing for the masses, said, “I am very happy that AMD has taken this initiative to increase Internet penetration and enable a computer with AMD’s x86 1600 MHz processor at this price point. Along with affordable broadband solutions from BSNL at Rs. 250 per month, and with Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition, this PC can be used as a vehicle to significantly increase broadband penetration in India. AMD’s 50x15 vision represents AMD’s commitment to develop technology solutions designed specifically to meet India’s needs. All of these developments not only further the cause of the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP), but also help to bridge the knowledge gap between different socio-economic groups to better prepare them for the information age. I am very excited about the possibilities this announcement opens up for all Indians.”
AMD’s Mr. Marathe, who has been personally involved in implementing AMD’s 50x15 initiative in India, said “This PC is an important step in the realization of the Honourable IT Minister’s and AMD’s joint vision to provide affordable computing and internet connectivity to the Indian people. AMD has taken a leadership role with 50x15 globally, and this initiative is just one example of how we are turning this vision into reality here on the ground in India. AMD, HCL, and Microsoft, along with the help of players that represent the entire PC ecosystem, have demonstrated true partnership in developing a computer that is ready for commonly used applications. Importantly, through AMD’s 50x15 initiative and our Indian partners, we are committed to sustainable ecosystem support that will continue delivering affordable solutions that address Indian users’ future needs in computing, multimedia, and connectivity.”
Low-cost computing platforms introduced in India must incorporate three critical features to be viable – sustainable ecosystem support, affordability, and availability of product and service. With the introduction of this solution from HCL, based on AMD’s processor, customers can get a computer that offers:
a) Sustainable ecosystem support, backed by AMD’s technology for affordable computing solutions – a 1600 MHz x86 processor from AMD will allow users to enjoy the functionality of a typical PC, such as basic computing, browsing on the internet, CD-ROM usage, multimedia applications such as games, and broadband connectivity. Users can also add other options based on their specific requirements.
b) An affordable package – under Rs.10,000/-
c) Availability – products and service available across the country at authorized HCL resellers.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Chowdhry of HCL Infosystems said, “HCL has been at the forefront of expanding PC penetration across India, and we are pleased to partner with AMD in enabling this PC under Rs.10,000. We believe it will result in many more Indians to owning a computer and benefiting from access to Information and Communication. With the introduction of this PC, HCL has once again reinforced its commitment to ensure that the power of computing reaches the common man. This is yet another initiative to reaffirm HCL’s commitment in making the dream of ‘PC in every home’ a reality. Furthermore, with the bundled offer of Microsoft Windows Starter Edition, first-time home PC users by paying a little extra can benefit from the support for a wide range of applications as well as local language interface.”
Ms. Dhawan of Microsoft India said “Microsoft® Windows® XP Starter Edition is part of Microsoft’s commitment to the development of digital inclusion and we intend to provide access to technology for more Indian homes through this initiative by AMD and HCL. Microsoft is pleased to be part of this initiative with AMD and HCL, and to bring to customers the advantage of reliability and security that comes with buying genuine Microsoft software. ”
*The computer is available through HCL’s nationwide network of authorized resellers at Rs.9,990, and features AMD’s x86 1600 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Disk, 15 inch Digital Color Monitor, 52x Optical Drive, keyboard, scroll mouse, and Linux. This computer is also available bundled with Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition at a cost of Rs.11,240/-. Local taxes, Handling & installation charges and levies are applicable, but not included.
About 50x15
AMD’s 50x15 initiative is a bold and far-reaching effort to develop new technology and solutions that will enable affordable Internet access and computing capability for 50 percent of the world’s population by the year 2015. With the global population estimated to reach 7.2 billion people in 2015, there is tremendous potential for 50x15 to bring billions of people into the digital age. More than just goodwill, 50x15 is about fostering long-term economic progress and investment within high-growth and developing markets in ways that benefit a wide range of people and businesses. AMD and a growing network of partners are delivering innovative technology solutions that empower people around the world to improve and change their lives.
About Intel
AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer, communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to delivering standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers. For more information visit www.amd.com.
About Bull
Bull designs and develops servers, software and services for an open environment, integrating the most advanced technologies. It brings to its customers its expertise and know-how to help them in the transformation of their information systems and to optimize their IT infrastructure and their applications.
Bull is particularly present in the public sector, banking, finance, telecommunication and industry sectors. Capitalizing on its wide experience, the Group has a thorough understanding of the business and specific processes of these sectors, thus enabling it to efficiently advise and to accompany its customers. Its distribution network spreads over 100 countries worldwide.
About HCL Infosystems
HCL Infosystems, India’s premier information enabling and integration company offers its customers technology solutions across multiple platforms. It has partnerships with leading global players such as Intel, AMD, Toshiba, Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia and Sun Microsystems among others. HCL Infosystems has direct customer services center across more than 260 locations and two ISO 9001 certified state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. With a mission to provide world-class information technology solutions and services to enable its customers to serve their customers better, HCL Infosystems is forever setting new standards of IT in the country. For more information, please visit www.hclinfosystems.in. HCL Infosystems has retained its leadership position in the PC business for several years in a row. Recent DATAQUEST Top20 Report 2005 rated HCL Infosystems as the largest PC manufacturer in India with market share of over 13.7% in the ‘PCs and Notebooks’ segment.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. For more information visit www.microsoft.com.
AMD, and the AMD Arrow logo, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., USA. HCL is a trademark of HCL Infosystems, India. Microsoft, Windows and Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition are trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
