[Tech] Microsoft in Thailandia vende Windows XP + Office XP a 30 euro

Si tratta di una versione ridotta, "stripped down" di Windows XP e di Office, destinata a essere installata sui computer della pubblica amministrazione thailandese:

Microsoft has provided a modified version of Windows XP with reduced functionality for use in the Thai government's low-cost PC programme, and may make this software available to other governments, the company has revealed.



The "entry-level" version of Windows was created to allow Microsoft to participate in the Thailand ICT Ministry's programme without adjusting its policy of charging a single price for Windows and Office around the world, Microsoft said on Monday. The software was provided at a cost of 1,500 baht, or about £20 (circa € 30, NdR), compared with the usual price of several hundred pounds.



"The Microsoft software provided for the ICT programme in June 2003 is a Thai-language specific, customised, entry-level version based on Windows XP Home and Office XP Standard," said a Microsoft spokeswoman.



Last year, analyst firm Gartner said the Thai deal was the beginning of the end for the one-price policy, predicting Microsoft would be compelled to halve its prices in poor countries by the middle of 2004. Now Microsoft says it is looking to collaborate with more governments on low-cost PC initiatives, using customised software with reduced functionality, as in Thailand.

Insomma, la pressione esercitata da Linux, da OpenOffice e in generale dal mondo open source a quanto pare comincia a farsi sentire, al punto da costringere Micro$oft a praticare prezzi semplicemente inconcepibili, almeno fino a ieri.



A questo punto sorge spontanea una domanda: per quanto tempo i consumatori dei Paesi "ricchi" accetteranno di pagare centinaia di dollari a Microsoft per dei prodotti (Windows XP e Office XP) che altrove, sia pure in versione "light", vengono venduti dalla stessa casa a meno di 30 dollari? Non viviamo ormai tutti in un mondo globalizzato?



Fonte: ZD Net.