• Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Thursday, April 19, 2007 10:45 AM

Microsoft will sell a software suite containing Windows, Office and other programs for $3 to government initiatives that distribute subsidized PCs to students in India, China and elsewhere. It will also be available to government programs that supply computers to low-income students in developed nations, including the U.S.

The company describes the effort as a way to boost global access to computing. Analysts say it also demonstrates Microsoft's desire to maintain its dominant position against stiff competition from free and inexpensive alternatives, such as the Linux operating system.

Founder Bill Gates is announcing the "Microsoft Student Innovation Suite" today in Beijing, along with other new and expanded initiatives aimed at increasing computing in developing nations. As part of the effort, Microsoft will announce a goal of doubling the number of PC users around the world--adding 1 billion more people--by 2015.

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