Apr 19, 2007

[Microsoft] Microsoft to Offer Cheap Software - World Domination in One Year

In a speech in Beijing today, Microsoft's Bill Gates announced (CNet News, New York Times) its plan to further its way to world domination.

Earning an average of US$45 billion per year, Microsoft is aiming to corner the five billion people who are not using MS products by offering a so-called Student Innovation Suite, a US$3 bundle of MS Windows XP Starter Edition, Office Home and Student 2007, and other utilities.

Don't get your hopes high, you of stingy nature: this bundle will only be available through partner governments, who must shoulder at least 50% of the cost of the computer where the bundle is to be installed.

With open source alternatives out there, I wonder why governments should be interested.

Those who are itching for less costly MS apps should be contented by finding free and open source alternatives. Or go to their friendly pirate stores. Ooops.

(This is the beginning of a series of posts that will monitor the attempts of big software companies to dominate the world. Cross posted from here.)

2 comments:

  1. Another very interesting entry, Rocky. I'm no techy guy myself, but you might like to check out Towleroad's Towletech edition for 4/20/07, and this site: http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/desktopedition. I think it kinda brings hope that all people will soon have access to good software, internet and cmputers without making Bill Gates righer. I do hope that affordable OS and software alternatives become available for all. Have a great day!

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  2. Thanks for the feedback, Riki. I share your hopes for more affordable and still dynamic software alternatives in the future.

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