OREANDA-NEWS. November 07, 2011. Azerbaijan has sold about 5,000 “national computers” since the beginning of the year.

Compared to early 2011, country’s sales growth of “national computers” increased by 32.5% up to 14,825 computers.

Today computers can be bought on concessional terms by families, whose members are teachers and pupils of secondary schools, university teachers and students and health care workers.

Computing power of computers is 3 GB at the price of AZN 600-700, depending on configuration. The Project group’ representatives said that soon the range of computers sold on concessional terms would expand.

Cellular operators Azercell Telekom and Azerfon have also acceded to the project. They issue data cards and Internet traffic on credit on concessional conditions. Another project participant Symantec supplies security systems.

The main objective of the project is to create conditions for purchase of computers and licensed software by various social layers of the population, reduce “digital inequality” by increasing ICT introduction in the regions, and support of activity of the Azerbaijani government, aimed at developing the information society and e-government. All equipment is provided on interest-free credit for 12 months. The total cost of computers and licensed software package provided within National Computer Project is below than the market price by 25-40%. Those who buy computers within the project will be provided with materials about computers, the Internet, and corresponding electronic teaching materials provided by the Ministry of Education.

Azerpoct (national postal operator) deals with delivery of computers and acceptance of monthly payments, while HP and Microsoft’s local partners BestComp Group and Ultra with supply of computers and licensed software.