Submission + - Microsoft $3 bundle: end-run around OpenSource?
HikingStick writes: Microsoft, in a press release today, announced a $3 (USD) software bundle that includes basic editions of Windows, Office, and other MS educational titles. It seems their actions acknowledge a general fear of losing potential markets in the developing world to the open source community.
Through the Partners in Learning program, Microsoft today announced the Microsoft Student Innovation Suite, an affordable and reliable software package for governments purchasing and giving Windows®-based PCs to primary and secondary students for their personal use at home and for schoolwork. The education suite includes Windows XP Starter Edition, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, Microsoft Math 3.0, Learning Essentials 2.0 for Microsoft Office, and Windows Live(TM) Mail desktop.
Microsoft will offer this suite in the second half of 2007 for $3 (U.S.) to qualifying governments that purchase and supply PCs directly to students.
