Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr S. Babayeva / The mechanism and feasibility study for implementation of Azerbaijan's 'People's Computer' project intended for provision poor population with computers under privileged terms is being defined, Azerbaijan Communications & IT Minister, Ali Abbasov, said to the Contact magazine.
As he mentioned, within the framework of the project it is planned to sell 200,000 computers to the people through privileged credits. Another positive side of the project is possible organization of local computer production.
"That will enable opening new jobs, and local IT experts will be able to gain experience," the Minister said.
Earlier initial presentation of the project involving the Deputy President of Microsoft, Craig Mundie, was held in Baku.
Different alternatives on financing both at the expense of the Government and external sources are currently being under consideration. Microsoft is expected to present authorized software, with Intel presenting relevant equipment on lax conditions.
According to a rough guess of the Communications and IT Ministry there are 3-4 computers for every 100 people in Azerbaijan. The implementation of the project will enable a 5-fold increase of the index.
After the final draft of the project is developed it will be submitted to the Government for consideration.