Freecom (Pty) Ltd.

completed

This project would expand the operations of Freecom, a company focused on providing IT solutions to the lower/middle income "first time buyer" end of the market, the sector of market not being specifically addressed by any of the larger players in the PC market today. The objective of Freecom will be to make appropriate and affordable Information Technology more accessible to a larger part of the market, typically presently excluded on the basis of price, rapid obsolescence, and difficulty of use. The company will provide a personal computer solution bundle based on refurbished used computers and a new software, called "New Deal", that offers full functionality but requires less computer resources to run on than the traditional Windows based software. This allows the life cycle of older model computers (486 and early Pentium models) to be extended. Freecom will seek to provide an affordable fully functional PC solution backed up by after sales support not normally available to buyers of used equipment. The target market stretches from first time home users, through schools community centers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and small businesses. It is envisaged that distribution of the computers will involve establishment of community technology centers that will function both as sales offices and computer literacy training centers. Sources for used computers will typically be those retired from corporations when they upgrade their systems. Freecom has formed a relationship with Per Scholas, a US based not-for-profit corporation that is already established in the USA as a personal computer refurbishment concern. Per Scholas has undertaken to supply Freecom with computer hardware. Additional used computers will be sourced from large South African corporations by offering a simple and socially responsible means of disposal. Freecom has partnered with New Deal Inc., a Boston-based software company that developed "smart" software that can be run on older PC models. Freecom will have distribution rights for New Deal in southern Africa, with an option to extend this distribution right throughout Africa. The proposed re-engineering factory facility has a high social/community emphasis and employs physically disabled workers, rehabilitated ex-offenders, abused women and their families.