Would you work with thin client instead of a regular PC? Earlier this year, Bharti Airtel launched a thin client called Airtel Net PC, which gives users 10 GB of remote data storage from Nivio, and interestingly, uses Microsoft Windows XP as its OS instead of an open source OS. The product is available for Rs. 7999 to Airtel customers, and though Airtel doesn't provide connectivity in my part of Delhi, I did get to try the thin client out at their office in Connought Place. Devices like the Nivio powered thin client are of particular interest to us, since they help overcome one of the key issues associated with computing in India - the cost of the PC and associated software as a barrier to entry. To address that issue, Emergic Ventures and NEA funded Novatium also launched Nova Net PC with MTNL and BSNL (hence covering a large amount of the existing landline userbase). At India Telecom last year, Qualcomm also showcased Kayak, a low cost PC which uses Opera for powering basic Internet access services. I think there are two key questions facing the low cost computing segment today (and maybe netbooks as well), which form a part of their pricing mix: -- How limited does one make computing capability, in terms of hardware, in order to lower the cost of the device -- How does the lowering of computing capability and experience impact my target userbase Some thoughts on the Airtel Net PC and the decisions…
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