Windows adopts pre-paid model for PC's
New Delhi: Microsoft has launched a new initiative, which will enable consumers to pay for a Windows based PC on the number of hours it is used. The global project, aimed at emerging markets, is called Pay-As-You-Go Personal Computing and is based on Microsoft FlexGo technology. While the pricing scheme is yet to be announced, Microsoft said that the entry cost of owning a PC will be reduced by as much as 50 per cent.

In India, Microsoft has tied up with Lenovo, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Capital and Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd to conduct trials over the next two months.

The FlexGo technology alerts users as time is consumed, showing them how to add more hours by simply typing in a number from a prepaid card. If time is not added, the PC gradually moves into a "reserve tank" or limited access state until customers purchase more time either online or at local vendors. The PC is owned outright after a set number of hours are purchased.

Microsoft is also introducing a subscription computing model that provide predictable monthly payments for a full-featured PC with broadband access and Windows software.
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ITC Infotech starts operations in US
Kolkata: ITC Infotech, a $60mn fully owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, has announced the launch of its operations in Alabama, US. ITC Infotech, a company growing at a compounded annual rate of more than 60 per cent over the last three years, will be headquartered in the city of Birmingham.

According to an official statement issued here on Friday, the company has entered into an alliance with AK-Global Solutions Inc, a business consultant, providing strategic integrated solutions to better manage talent pool, technology and expertise.

ITC Infotech said that it aims to expand its manpower capacity to employ 100 people in Alabama in the next three years. The company also proposes to sponsor internship programmes at Indian colleges for students from leading Alabama technology institutes in order to bridge cultural gaps and promote a multi-ethnic work environment.
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RIL hikes diesel prices by Rs.2 per litre
New Delhi: After increasing the price of petrol sold through its retail outlets, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has now increased the price of diesel as well by Rs2 per litre plus local taxes. The price increase is effective from Monday.

The minimum impact is expected to be in the range of Rs2.36 per litre, with the maximum being close to Rs2.90 per litre.

Earlier, the company had increased the price of domestic petrol by Rs2 per litre plus local taxes with effect from May 12.

Company sources said public sector companies were operating under the protection of the Petroleum Ministry which had been taking steps to make good a part of their financial losses. RIL, as a private player, had no such protection and had to formulate its own marketing strategy to survive.

RIL has been seeking compensation of Rs1,187 crore from the Government for selling products below cost during 2005-06.

This included Rs103 crore under recovery on petrol and Rs 1,084 crore on diesel.

RIL retails 342 thousand tones of petrol and 3,599 thousand tonne of diesel through its 1,300 odd outlets.
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PSL to invest in UAE project
Mumbai: PSL Ltd has said that it has received an order of Rs181.5 crore from GAIL for the supply of 164.5 km of pipes for the Dahej Uran Pipeline project. The company has also received another order from L&T for a Japanese funded water pipeline project, being implemented by the Kerala Water Authority.

The company would supply coated pipes worth Rs168 crore, which would serve drinking water requirements of several small villages in Kerala. The project would be completed by December 2006.

The company's board has also accorded an in-principal approval for its investment in the company's project at the Hamariyah Free Trade Zone, Sharjah. This free trade zone would be operational by early 2007, an official statement said.
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HPCL to market eco-friendly LPG stoves
New Delhi: State-owned public sector undertaking Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) plans to enter the market with fuel-efficient and eco-friendly green labeled LP gas stoves through its gas outlets across the country.

HPCL has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malbro Appliances to manufacture these fuel saving gas stoves under the brand name `Advanta'. The gas stoves are certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the company said.

"'With this stove the customer will save upto 68 per cent fuel as compared to ordinary gas stove,'' Rajiv Malhotra, managing director, Malbro Appliances, said. The products will be available in variants of single burner to five burners in the price band of Rs600 to Rs4,000.

Malbro has installed a capacity of 6,000 pieces per day at their assembly unit in Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh.
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Madhucon in pact with NHAI for TN project
Hyderabad: Madhucon Project Ltd (MPL) has signed a build, operate and transfer (BOT) agreement with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for a road project in Tamil Nadu. This is one of the three contracts it has been awarded in the State.

The national highway BOT project between Karur and Dindigul, involves the design, construction, development, operation and maintenance of a stretch of approximately 68 kms. The project cost is Rs360 crore, with 20 years concession period and positive grant of Rs86 crore.

MPL has been awarded four BOT National Highway projects of 330 kms, worth around Rs1800 crore. While three of these are in Tamil Nadu, one is in Rajasthan.

The company has already completed National Highway projects to the extent of 360 km.

Madhucon has an order book of over Rs5,000 crore, due for completion over the next 3-4 years, the release added.
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LG to unveil new range of washing machines, dishwashers
Pune: LG Electronics plans to unveil a new range of washing machines with direct drive technology, a range of top-loading washing machines, and new dishwasher models.

The new range of washing machines, with direct drive technology, would be in the form of completely broken down units imported from South Korea.

The company is looking at sales of 4,000 units during the first year.

Officials said that the price range of these would be between Rs40,000 and Rs80,000.

LG is also looking at setting up a front-loading washing machine plant in Ranjangaon in Pune by the middle of next year.

The front loader washing machines with the new technology are equipped with shower spray system and circulating system, which improve performance by 15-20 per cent. The washing time is decreased to five minutes from the normal 8-12 minutes and water consumption is lowered to seven litres from nine litres.

LG is offering a warranty period of seven years for the new technology against the two years that is the norm.
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Xplorz.com: New travel portal launched
New Delhi: The newly launched travel portal Xplorz.com, offers flight, hotel and car booking and will be the only online e-ticket provider in India whereby a customer can use the P3 method of booking — pick, pay and print. This would enable all customers to print their own e-ticket online and fly within two hours of booking.

" The portal will offer competitive fares as well as special negotiated fares for its customers. The site will be particularly useful to business and corporate travelers who will have full flexibility to make last minute travel arrangements and changes, according to the company. The portal plans to give its customers a discount of 30-40 per cent on hotel reservations. It also provides its customers search techniques based on available fares and schedules," the company said in a statement.
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