http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=407880&in_page_id=1770
Now Tesco takes on Microsoft with computer software launch
Last updated at 13:58pm on 1st October 2006
Supermarket giant Tesco took on another new market today with the launch
of its own brand computer software.
An initial range of six titles, which will include office software and
security suites, will sell for less than £20 each.
The launch comes in the week that Tesco is expected to announce
half-year profits of more than £1 billion for the first time.
Much of the forecast improvement to £1.13 billion will stem from
non-food sales, as the retailer makes further inroads into the clothing,
electricals and furniture markets.
The company's latest venture will see it go head-to-head with Microsoft,
the world's largest software company, in a market worth an estimated
£8.5 billion.
Tesco Software will be available in more than 100 stores nationwide,
with plans to roll out the products across the UK in the following 12
months.
The software products feature an office suite, two security and
antivirus products, a personal finance tool, a CD and DVD burning tool
and a photo editing tool. They will be sold in addition to computer
hardware, following Tesco's entry into this market earlier in the year.
Tesco buyer Daniel Cook said: "With more people working from home and
schools encouraging greater use of IT the demand for home computing
equipment is bigger than ever."
The retailer is working with Formjet, a software vendor, to provide the
range of products under the Tesco brand.
Tesco's latest profits rise will keep it in with a chance of challenging
the £2.5 billion barrier at its full-year results. That would equate to
£67 profit per head from Britain's 37.4 million adult population, the
Observer said.
It is expected that Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy will announce the
creation of thousands more jobs to add to a current workforce of 324,500
worldwide.
As well as store openings and the continued success of its online
operation, Tesco may also mount a drive for more upmarket shoppers as it
looks to take on Waitrose, which has enjoyed rapid growth in sales in
recent weeks.
The profits uplift comes despite rising fuel costs and evidence of
increased competition from Morrisons and Sainsbury's.
/end
--
Fundies and trolls are cordially invited to
shove a wooden cross up their arses and rotate
at a high rate of speed. I trust you'll
be 'blessed' with a plethora of splinters.
.
|
