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Information technology services industry

CenterBeam and Microsoft Launch $500 PC Buy-Back Program to Empower Small Businesses and Underprivileged Youth

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Small businesses face significant barriers to implementing cutting-edge technology, which hinders their ability to stay competitive. To bridge this gap, CenterBeam, Inc. and Microsoft have collaborated to offer a $500 PC buy-back program. This innovative initiative allows small businesses to trade in their existing PCs for a discount on CenterBeam's comprehensive service, which includes Windows 2000-based solutions and high-speed DSL internet access. In addition, the acquired PCs will be donated to inner-city schools, providing a new generation of students with access to technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $500 PC buy-back program is designed to encourage small businesses to upgrade to CenterBeam's managed technology infrastructure, built on the Windows 2000 operating system.
  • Small businesses can trade in their existing PCs for a discount on the CenterBeam service, which includes a range of features such as enterprise-level infrastructure, high-speed DSL internet access, and comprehensive 24x7 customer support.
  • The program aims to promote digital equity by donating the acquired PCs to inner-city schools, enabling underprivileged youth to access technology and prepare them for the Internet-fueled revolution.
  • CenterBeam's managed infrastructure provides small businesses with name-brand PCs, wireless networks, daily data backups, and access to a wide array of business and process applications developed specifically for the Internet.
  • The CenterBeam service is available for $165 per user per month, and includes a range of business services, including Microsoft Office 2000 and Exchange email.
  • The program is available at www.centerbeam.com/buyback and is effective until the official launch of Windows 2000 in February of next year.
  • CenterBeam will work with national charitable organizations to distribute the donated PCs to local inner-city schools, addressing the disparity in resources between wealthier suburbs and inner-city communities.
  • CenterBeam's Leader, Sheldon Laube, emphasizes that small businesses deserve the same enterprise level offerings as large corporations, and that the company's solution is built on Windows 2000, the most robust, manageable, and stable operating system available.

Statistics:

  • 500 - The dollar amount for which CenterBeam will buy back existing PCs from small businesses.
  • 2000 - The year in which the official launch of Windows 2000 is expected to take place.
  • $165 - The monthly cost of the CenterBeam service for small businesses.
  • 24/7 - The level of customer support provided by CenterBeam, ensuring that businesses have access to dedicated support professionals at all times.
  • 99.9% - The estimated availability of data center support, with daily backups, anti-virus protection, and disaster recovery.

Sources:

  • CenterBeam, Inc. press release, November 15, 2000.
  • Microsoft Corporation press release, November 15, 2000.
  • COMDEX, Las Vegas, November 15, 2000.
  • CenterBeam, Inc. website: http://www.centerbeam.com .
  • Microsoft Corporation website: http://www.microsoft.com .

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