22 May 2006 – Seattle (WA): Microsoft, chip makers and PC makers aim to increase PC usage in the developing world with the first ever "pay-as-you-go" payment programme that will lower the initial costs of buying a computer.
Using Microsoft’s FlexGo software technology, a customer can buy a computer pre-installed with the Windows operating system then purchase prepaid cards or pay a monthly subscription at a cost similar to using a computer at an internet café, Microsoft disclosed.
The "pay as you go" computers are expected to appear in Brazil, India, Russia and China over the next several months.
