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New software signifies dawn for tech penetration

February 15, 2010 – Software maker Microsoft has officially introduced discounted software into the Kenyan market targeted at expanding its customer portfolio.

For about Sh3,999, or should we say Sh4,000, you can get “Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student for Africa” – a 60 percent drop in its usual price.

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The release follows unprecedented feedback from customers and partners on this product, which is made for Africa. What’s more, Office 2007 Home and Student edition can be installed on three computers.

Product analysts say that apart from affordability, the sale of this new edition will contribute greatly to the anti piracy fight that continues to bedevil the industry.

Statistics from the International Data Corporation indicate that software piracy on personal computers in Africa stands at 80% with industry losses in Africa, due to software piracy, estimated at over $95 million. computer_271680770.jpg

The fully-packaged product is available in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. It contains Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft Excel 2007, Microsoft PowerPoint 2007, Microsoft OneNote 2007 and the complete Microsoft Digital Literacy curriculum.

To underscore the significance of this new day for business, Louis Otieno, General Manager for Microsoft East and Southern Africa says, “Microsoft is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to genuine software and the skills they need to achieve their potential at the most affordable pricing.’

He emphasises that genuine software includes many features and enhancements that help to improve security, protecting your computer from viruses and other malicious software, as well as improved automatic document recovery tool in cases of system failure.

“This means that documents are safe from hackers who may want to collect private data. With the advent of online banking and other forms of payment through e-commerce, it pays to operate on a secure platform with built in malware, firewall and online updates direct to your PC especially when banking from home or ordering goods and services online like courses and holidays,” said Otieno.

“This is one more way in which Microsoft is working to provide businesses and individuals with the tools they need to achieve their potential and hence the dream of “One computer per Home,” is almost realised.”

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Robert Allela from Comztech, a Microsoft distribution partner said that with the recent ICT explosion in the country and the landing of the fibre optic cable, Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 product launch would be greatly beneficial.

The International Data Corporation indicates that Kenya’s IT sector will generate more than 4,000 new jobs by 2011 and account for the creation of more than 100 new IT companies.

According to the study, over the next four years, Kenya’s IT industry will drive Sh2.7 billion in new tax revenues, and contribute new revenues of Sh37.7 billion to the GDP.

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