Microsoft picks Softcat for subsidised PC scheme for teens

Marlow-based reseller picked as supplier partner for vendor's Shape The Future programme

Microsoft has picked Softcat as a supplier partner for its Shape The Future (STF) scheme to provide UK teenagers with subsidised computers.

The software vendor announced that it would be bringing the STF programme to these shores late last year. The scheme, which is open to establishments in England and Wales willing to fund students' computing purchases to the tune of 50 per cent or more, offers computers to 14 to 19 year olds at "a significantly reduced price".

STF is also backed by Intel and OEM partners Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba and Samsung. Colleges taking part can also benefit from Microsoft funding for a range of third-party services, including teacher training and other professional development courses.

Microsoft UK director of education Steve Beswick said: "Providing better one-to-one computing experiences for young people has been shown to improve their confidence, and ultimately their employability. At a time of high youth unemployment, we think it is more important than ever that we invest in our young people, and this agreement with Softcat will allow us to continue to do this."

The machines supplied by Softcat will include Windows 8 Professional and MS Office 2013. The Marlow-based reseller will also be offering participating establishments a marketing toolkit and bespoke purchasing portal.

Nick Berry, Softcat's education business development manager, said: "Softcat's education team is now gearing up for the anticipated interest and demand for schemes among further education colleges currently thinking through their plans for equipping the new year's intake, helping to make a real difference for one-to-one learning opportunities throughout the colleges of England and Wales."