Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. has tied up with Indiatimes.com and Redington to offer its consumers and small business, an opportunity to order original Microsoft software either on the telephone or online. This effort is aimed at providing customers with easier and greater access to original software and help businesses and individuals deal effectively with piracy issues. Microsoft also announced the launch of its revamped original Microsoft software website, www.microsoft.com/india/original. A part of Microsoft's Genuine Software Initiative, this website informs the users on the benefits of original software and serves as a one-stop resource for home users and businesses buying software, from providing information on how they can differentiate original software from pirated software, to giving multiple purchase options. Customers can now pay for their software through credit card, cheque, draft or wallet365, across 1068 Indian cities. Moreover, customers buying through a credit card can pay in three months equated installments, with no interest. This channel will complement Microsoft’s existing distribution network spanning 30 cities. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Brian Campbell, Director — Genuine Software Initiative, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. said, "One of the biggest blocks to using original software is lack of access, especially in a country like India with its geographical spread. The launch of this initiative, will not only provide customers with much needed access to original software, but as a filter down effect, it will also cause customers to ask for, and sellers to be more likely to provide, original Microsoft software. The purchase and use of original software will allow our users to be protected from the potential threats such as malware, which arise from the use of pirated software." Mr. Sharat Dhall, Vice President (Ecommerce), Times Internet Ltd said, "The Web has emerged as a powerful medium today, and we are seeing it being used increasingly by homes and businesses alike. Making original software available online provides a tremendous fillip to users' ability to access the product by expanding the reach to over 1000 towns, and this increased access will definitely reduce piracy levels in India." This initiative is aimed at educating consumers on the value of original software and to provide them with new channels to access it. Original Microsoft software is now available at the e-shop on the revamped website. Alternatively, Customers can also call-in at and get Retail Packs of original Microsoft software delivered to their home or office. This facility is currently available in eight cities Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. Microsoft has plans to extend this to more cities in the next few months.
No comments:
Post a Comment