TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ARMENIAN POPULATION’S BIG INTEREST IN ‘COMPUTER FOR ALL’ PROGRAM, ITS SCALE MAY BE INCREASED AT THE MAIN STAGE
ArmInfo
2009-11-30 15:33:00
ArmInfo. Taking into account Armenian population’s big interest in
"Computer for All" program, its scale may be increased at the main
stage, Bagrat Yengibaryan, Director of the Enterprise Incubator
Foundation (EIF) implementing the coordination of the program, told
journalists, Monday.
At the moment, in course of the pilot stage of program launched on 17
September, 15 thsd computers have been sold as against the targeted
500. "We are glad to point out the population’s attention to the
program now though it is still implemented only in Yerevan, Gyumri
and Vanadzor",- Yengibaryan said. He recalled that already 6 shops
take part in the program, 6 more shops may shortly join them, Taking
into account this interest, at the main stage of the program the sales
volume may be increased from the targeted 5 to 12-15 thsd per year.
Negotiations on provision of 1-month free internet together with
the purchased computer are currently being held with three Armenian
internet providers. Afterwards the customers decide whether to
continue using the services of the given provider on the commercial
basis. The price policy outside large cities, as well as the issue of
e-content installed on the computers are still to be addressed. To all
appearances, it will be necessary to hold computer training courses
within the frames of the program, Yengibaryan said. Furthermore,
at present 3 commercial banks (currently ACBA Credit Agricole Bank
participates in the program) are negotiating on joining the program.
Yengibaryan added that any party concerned may participate in the
program, and the organizers are ready to discuss the proposals. In
particular, during the visit of the Armenian delegation to the
Silicon Valley in early November negotiations were held with
the representatives of Intel company, and a week ago – with the
representatives of Samsung (to recall, Hewlett-Packard out of computer
producers is currently participating in the program). According
to the EIF director, the participation of several companies will
allow segmenting the program with due regard for various groups of
population. For instance, Intel’s participation in the international
program "One Laptop per Child" may serve a basis for cooperation in
Armenia in the sphere of sale of computers for schoolchildren. "The
only condition we lay down for the producers of computer facilities
is that the sale of computers is to meet the criteria of our program
and slightly differ from the work of common resale companies", he said.
To recall, the program "Computer for All" was launched in Armenia on 17
September 2009. Within the frames of the program, computers are sold
to the population via a bank loan. The organizers of the program are
EIF, Armenian Economy Ministry. Microsoft Armenian Country Office,
ACBA Credit Agricole Bank participate in the program. To take part
in the program as a sale point one should have experience in selling
computers and electronic appliances, spacious and conformable premises
for sale and a number of other criteria. The details are available
at