Thailand Government promotes Linux-based laptops at $450.

Subject: [bytesforall_readers] Thailand Government promotes Linux-based laptops at $450.
Date: 25 May 2003 15:00:15 +0530
From: Sunil Abraham <sunil@mahiti.org>
To: bytesforall_readers@yahoogroups.com

http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/05/23/HNthailinux_1.html

HP Thailand launches Linux laptop for $450
Move underscores OS' popularity in emerging markets

By Scarlet Pruitt, IDG News Service May 23, 2003
Hewlett-Packard has begun selling inexpensive, Linux-based notebooks in
Thailand, in a move that underscores the open source platform's growing
popularity in emerging markets.

The notebooks are being sold as part of a push by Thailand's
Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) ministry to offer the
public affordable PCs.

The PCs come with a preloaded Linux operating system and went on sale
last week for $450, a representative for HP in Singapore confirmed
Friday.

The notebooks were made to fit certain feature and price requirements
set by the ministry, the representative said, which could help explain
HP's choice to install a Linux OS.

Although the use of Linux would definitely bring down the price of the
computers, it could bring about support issues. However, the ministry
has agreed to take on service and support issues related to the PCs.

The arrangement appears to be successful. The Bangkok Post reported on
its Web site this week that demand for the PCs has been high. The Thai
daily even reported that the ICT is negotiating with other local and
international vendors to produce more PCs because it fears that HP will
not be able to keep up with the demand. Dell Thailand and the
Association of Thai Computer Manufacturers have expressed interest, the
Post reported.

Bryan Ma, senior research manager with IDC for the Asia-Pacific region,
said that the PCs could pose a threat to Microsoft for two reasons. HP's
decision to preload Linux, which can be distributed for free, allows
customers to avoid the cost of a license for Microsoft's Windows
operating system. Additionally, with the rampant amount of piracy in
Thailand, users could easily purchase the low-cost PCs and install
pirated Windows software on them.

"This could make Microsoft tremble in its boots," Ma said. "What you've
got is a blank canvas in which the user can paint any color he wishes
whether that's officially licensed Microsoft software or pirated
software."

However, Ma said that although the PCs seem to be a good fit for
Thailand, where the demand for low-cost computing is high and there is
great Internet awareness, that doesn't mean that other emerging markets
in the region will necessarily jump on the Linux bandwagon. The Thai
government's endorsement of the project is a big driver, he said

--
Sunil Abraham, sunil@mahiti.org http://www.mahiti.org
MAHITI Infotech Pvt. Ltd.'Reducing the cost and complexity of ICTs'
314/1, 7th Cross, Domlur Bangalore - 560 071 Karnataka, INDIA
Ph/Fax: +91 80 4150580. Mobile: 98455 12611
"If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange apples
then you and I will still each have one apple.
But if you have an idea and I have one idea and we exchange these ideas,
then each of us will have two ideas" George B. Shaw
Shaw

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