Microsoft continues iCafe program

Following a successful pilot project and positive feedback from iCafé owners across the country, 2009 saw Microsoft (Thailand) Limited extend its popular iCafé project to a third phase, with further collaboration planned for 2010. The initiative aims to give children nationwide better access to technology in a safe learning environment and to give iCafé owners peace of mind by encouraging them to operate clean businesses with Microsoft software licenses available to them at reasonable prices.

Out of approximately 15,000 iCafés nationwide, 4,000 signed up to take part during the project's first two phases alone. This number has since risen to 8,000 after the project was extended to a third phase with a road show held earlier this year in Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani and Chiang Mai. With so many iCafé owners keen to join the program, applications are now due to be reopened again in early 2010 to give those who missed out another chance to join.

"This partnership program with internet cafés in Thailand is all about access," said Patama Chantaruck, Managing Director, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited. "Internet cafés play a major role in technology access in Thailand, so by working closely with this channel we are helping users gain access to a better IT experience with the latest genuine software available. For children this also means establishing a positive learning environment with our eLearning program, where they can have access to safe technology and gain valuable IT skills. Moreover, with specially priced software packages, we are helping iCafé owners equip themselves with the tools they need to operate their businesses efficiently and generate profits, safe in the knowledge that they are running a clean business with 100% genuine licensed software."

In addition to exclusive access to the latest Microsoft products at reduced prices, including Windows 7 and Microsoft Office, participating iCafés also receive other privileges such as in-store décor, e-learning programs and website-filtering software for children, as well as training on Microsoft Office 2007 so that owners can pass this knowledge on to their customers to help them enhance their skills and get the most out of their IT.

Thai iCafé owners share their stories

iCafé owner Chairoj Laipraditthamromg, of 'S Games and Internet Shop', in Udon Thani, who joined the iCafé program said, "With 70 PCs at my internet café it has always been a challenge to make sure that every machine is running up-to-date and fully licensed software. After I heard about Microsoft's iCafé program from Microsoft's 'Get It Right' website I decided to join so that I could focus on giving my customers the best service, without having to worry about facing legal action. Since joining I have been very satisfied with the program and it's great that Microsoft is recognizing internet cafés in Thailand and supporting them by offering us genuine software at special prices. The feedback from my customers has also been very positive as they appreciate being able to try out genuine Windows 7 and all the popular games run well on this platform."

"The Thai police are becoming more vigilant in their policing of software piracy and I've also heard stories of people pretending to be police extorting money from iCafé owners who have fake software on their computers," added Pairoj Leekasem of 'Home Theatre and Net Shop' in Mahasarakham province. "Joining this program with Microsoft means that we don't have to worry about any of these things and the cost of using genuine software is far cheaper than having to pay fines. What's more, with the additional support that we get from Microsoft, signing up has proved to be a great long-term investment that is giving my customers a better experience and allowing me to expand my business for the future."

Thailand leading the way

Thailand is the first country in the world to launch the iCafé program, which is a collaboration between Microsoft (Thailand) Limited and the Office of National Culture Commission of the Ministry of Culture. The program was designed in direct response to the needs of iCafé owners in Thailand who had earlier voiced that they would like to receive more government support for fulfilling their software needs. It is hoped that the program will also help change the common perception of iCafés as places of unlawful gathering to that of clean and safe learning environments.

"We see iCafés as a means of offering alternative ways of learning for children and to give them better access to technology. Many people in remote areas still have limited access to technology since they don't have their own computers and school facilities are often not sufficient. In fact, the average ratio of students to computers is 100:1. As such, the iCafé program can help to directly address this imbalance and create an equal society by encouraging children to learn outside the classroom in a safe and clean environment," added Patama Chantaruck. "Meanwhile, with the latest Microsoft technology installed, general users can also use their local internet café as a secondary library for finding jobs and researching the information they need to get ahead in life." 

With newly-joined iCafés now running Windows 7, consumers who are thinking about purchasing Windows 7 for their own PCs can now also visit their local iCafé to get a hands-on experience with Windows 7 before buying. Meanwhile, internet café owners interested in signing up to the Microsoft iCafé program when applications reopen in January 2010, can find out more information online by visiting www.microsoft.com/thailand/get-it-right.