Microsoft Corp India and HCL Infosystems Ltd. have come together to introduce what is claimed to be the world’s cheapest Windows enabled laptop.

Microsoft Corp chief operating officer Kevin Turner stated both Microsoft and HCL had been working together for more than two decades towards promoting IT in India. Both the giants have announced a set of initiatives that they intend to do together. It includes launching the world’s cheapest ‘Windows’ enabled laptop computer as well as setting up of a centre of excellence in order to create a customised solution framework for India. The Windows OS is all set to be launched under the MiLeap brand of HCL at a cost Rs 16,990.

The agreement between the two software giants includes the training and consequent certifying of 50,000 students on Microsoft technologies within a couple of years. They will be trained in batches in more than a hundred training centres that have been set up by HCL. The leaders feel that this kind of training will help the IT industry retain its competitive edge. It will also meet the purpose of supplying the anticipated requirement of 2.3 million skilled computer workers. This will go a long way in bridging the demand supply gap.