The PIC device provides managed Internet connectivity and basic computing and Internet capabilities such as a browser, e-mail, productivity tools (word processing and spreadsheet), and the ability to view images, multimedia files and standard format documents.

Based on AMD technology, the PIC has been developed as part of AMD’s global «50x15» initiative of providing affordable Internet and computing capabilities to 50 percent of the world’s population by the year 2015. To help accomplish this goal, AMD has created a global ecosystem of participating companies to develop usable, affordable technologies and make them easily accessible for people in global, high-growth markets to enhance communications and education opportunities.

Suggested system price is US$185.00 with a keyboard, mouse, and preinstalled software; or US$249.00 which also includes a monitor. The price includes a PC based on AMD Geode GX500 366MHz, 128MB SDRAM DDR, 10GB HDD, 4xUSB, 56kbps modem, audio.

In India, the PIC will be offered to Tata Indicom Broadband customers as part of a bundled Internet service including all the hardware and software a consumer needs. It will come with the added convenience of only one contact for complete service and support for both the broadband connection as well as the hardware. The Personal Internet Communicator will be offered through a variety of financing options and enable people with limited disposable incomes to fulfill their desire for computing and access to the Internet.

«The introduction of the PIC can help eliminate the financial barrier to access the Internet for many people by removing the requirement for a large capital investment,» said Mr. Shashi Kalathil , Head — Broadband Business of VSNL . «We can now offer broadband services to a wider range of customers and help open doors to new opportunities in the world of communications, entertainment and education. The Internet in India has so far touched very few people because of non-availability of an affordable device and high speed Internet connection. Now, the coming together of AMD technology and Tata Indicom Broadband will help broadbase the Internet community in India»

Commenting on the launch of PIC, Hector Ruiz, chairman and chief executive officer of Advanced Micro Devices said, «AMD and Tata Indicom today have made a significant step to make powerful technology available to a large portion of India’s population who previously had no access to the Internet. We are especially proud to partner with the TATA Group, one of the largest and the most respected business house in India, who is helping to realize our vision of connecting 50 percent of the world’s population to the Internet by 2015.»

Through the PIC offering, customers can have access to a variety of communication and productivity tools such as an Internet browser, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet applications and a presentation viewer, among others. Running on a customized, intuitive operating systems powered by Microsoft Windows, customers are offered an easy, out-of-the-box experience that helps get them quickly connected to the Internet and the rest of the world.

AMD designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer, communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to delivering standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers.

Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), first telecom service provider in the world to get the prestigious TL 9000 certification, is India’s leading provider of International Telecommunications and Internet Services. As the country’s leader in International Long Distance services and with a strong pan-India National Long Distance presence, VSNL is the leader in the Corporate Data Market in the country today with a strong service offering covering IPLCs, ILLs, Frame relay, ATM and MPLS based IP-VPN services. With established relations with over 80 carriers across the globe, VSNL today has a strong infrastructure base that covers multiple gateways, earth stations and submarine cable systems.