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Internet to solve world hunger

The huge network of computers known collectively as the Internet is to be put to a greater use — the eradication of world hunger and poverty.

In an initiative backed by three of the big names in computing — Sun, Microsoft and Intel — the governments of countries in which over a third of their population is deemed to be starving will be entitled to a five per cent discount on computer hardware and software from the companies.

The deal will apply to certain individual routers, Microsoft's Windows 95 operating software and Intel's groundbreaking MMX processor.

Top executives from each company met in Washington today to explain their vision. Microsoft head Bill Gates told reporters: "It is imperative that these starving children get access to the Internet as soon as possible if we are to bring an end to the unnecessary deaths of millions of people every year. By discounting our goods, we hope to encourage governments to get people online."

Sun CEO Scott McNealy continued: "Every child should have a terminal and every terminal should be connected to a Sun router or workstation. We are just trying to do our bit for the world." Intel CEO Craig Barrett reiterated both remarks, saying: "If a starving person is looking at the Internet, they will get a far better experience if they are using a Pentium processor. That in itself could save thousands of lives." Barrett also announced Intel would be sending thousands of Intel-branded T-shirts to the worst-hit countries.

The man behind the initiative, top Web guru Nicholas Negroponte, told of the moment he realised he could help mankind: "It occurred to me that if we could get these machines in the hands of starving kids, they could get online and perhaps order some food from more advanced countries. Currently some of these places are so backward, the citizens rely on growing their own food for survival. And if the organisation doesn't deliver to, say, Africa, at least they will have taken their minds off their cramped stomach for an hour or so. Now, did I tell you about Barbie dolls being connected to the Internet?"

Twenty-stone IT expert Johnny Cash said the deal was a win-win for everyone. "Not only will this help the starving but will also provide Microsoft et al with some useful business at a low point in the market and have a positive knock-on affect for US business as a whole. Today is a great day."

Microsoft shares rose four per cent on the announcement, with Sun registering a six per cent increase and Intel a five per cent increase in early trading.

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