Retailer offers in-store ADSL trials

Smaller companies are the main target for high-speed internet connection technology to be previewed at PC World stores.

Smaller companies are the main target for high-speed internet connection technology to be previewed at PC World stores.

The retailer is offering free in-store trials of the long-awaited asymmetric digital subscriber Line (ADSL) technology. Selected stores in London will be the first to offer free demonstrations of the FreeservePlus ADSL technology this month to both consumers and businesses.

ADSL expands the capacity of existing BT telephone lines, bringing high-speed multimedia into homes and small businesses without the need for separate telephone lines.

The software provides 24-hour internet connection with no dial-up delays, claimed a PC World spokeswoman. "The software also allows for simultaneous use of the telephone for fax or voice," she said.

Up to 20 PCs at a time can be connected to a single ADSL business service, she added.

Potential buyers will be able to see the product in action. ADSL boasts speeds many times faster than a standard modem.

"Both businesses and consumers will be given a fully comprehensive demonstration of the product and we will be able to send out specialist engineers to the business premises to help install the software," said the spokeswoman. "Subscribers pay on a monthly basis for the service."

Peter Keenan, PC World group marketing manager, said: "Business and home internet users are being offered the chance to get free advice as well as demonstrations of ADSL so that they understand the full range of benefits it can offer."

Meanwhile, the retailer is expecting huge demand for the new Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME).

Selected stores in London will be opening until 2am on the operating system's launch day, 13 September, to allow eager PC owners a chance to get their hands on a copy of the software.

Windows ME is intended to succeed Windows 98 as Microsoft's operating system for home computers.

First published in Computer Reseller News