Affordable Computers For The Common Man Unveiled

The Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development, Shri Kapil Sibal unveiled Mobilis, a Linux-based Mobile Desktop and two of its variants-Mobilis Wireless and Sofcomp, an affordable and ultra-compact desktop at a function here today. The products have been developed by Encore Software Ltd. , Bangalore under the guidance and financial support of CSIR through its New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) Scheme.

Complimenting the group of scientists for their achievement, Shri Sibal described it as a great team effort and expressed confidence that these products will be able to provide solution to many problems facing the country. He said that the entire team working on the project was absolutely clear in their mind the type of product required for the Indian conditions and the common man.

Mobilis, sporting a 7.4 inch VGA LCD screen and several innovative features, including a six-hour battery life, is a state-of-the-art product for users who demand the freedom to work anywhere, anytime. It delivers outstanding mobile performance and powerful connectivity options and comes with an innovative carry case that, while ingeniously hiding a full-size, flexible, roll-up keyboard when on the move, opens up as a desktop stand. Mobilis Wireless additionally offers built-in GPS receiver and GPRS Wireless Modem options. Both devices offer integrated smart-card ready/write capability as well. The third product, Sofcomp, is a very compact desktop designed for offices that don't really need the cost and bulk of today's GHz-speed PCs for their day-to-day work.

All three products have built-in local-language support and a choice of everybody applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, Personal Information Manager, e-mail, web browser, PC synchronization, etc., as well as local-language interfaces and text-to-speech, at no extra cost. Thus, the total cost of ownership is very low.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman and the CEO of Encore Software Ltd. Shri Vinay Deshpande said the innovative features of Mobilis have already attracted three major clients viz. ITC in its e-chaupals for health and education purpose, Reva Electric Car Company for its dashboards and some South African Universities for their students. He said that these computers would cost between Rs. 10,000-12,000 per piece initially but the price may come down with large volume production.

The Director General of CSIR, Dr. R. A. Mashelkar said that the NMITLI programme of the Government which was launched in 2000-01, envisages innovation oriented scientific and technological developments in select niche areas in a true Team India Public Private Partnership mode. He said NMITLI have so far crated 37 projects involving over 65 industry partners and 175 R & D Institutions with an estimated outlay of Rs. 270 crores.

Source : Ministry of Science & Technology
Date : May 10, 2005