Friends: The recent Forrester reporter on PC growth has made some interesting observations, especially relevant to those of us who are working with the rural poor. We need to pay attention to wireless technologies, Linux and other open source software, and low-cost rugged computers and communication devices. "The personal computer market in India will see a massive boom by 2010, according to a new report by Forrester Research. India, says the report, will add 80 million (8 crore) new PC users by 2010. Despite gaining prominence as a center for outsourcing, India today has one of the lowest adoption rates in the world. However, PC adoption will grow at a 37 per cent annual rate through the end of the decade." "Rural mass market -- It'll be a long-term challenge for the PC industry to attract this segment to the PC platform; they are likely to choose PC alternatives, such as smartphones. This group is rural, low-income, and very price-sensitive. They lack community infrastructure, funding, communications, and reliable power sources to support PC platforms." "The other important factor is the Windows versus Linux battle. The advantage goes to Linux, says Forrester. Establishing the Windows platform in these new markets will be an uphill battle. No Windows legacy in these markets means that local manufacturers can drive down prices by installing Linux instead." "The third factor is the battle between the wired and the wireless providers. Forrester says the advantage goes to wireless. Investments in landline networks outside major city centers won't pay off, so rural populations must wait for new wireless technologies like WiMAX and 3G GSM networks." Best wishes. Arun [Subbiah Arunachalam]