Alex brings the internet to excluded generation
Nov 5 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
MILLIONS of ‘digitally excluded’ people could get their first taste of IT and the internet thanks to technology developed in the North East, which is launched today.
The Broadband Computer Company (BCC), of Newcastle, has received the backing of a number of heavyweight technology players and raised £2.2m in new investment as it looks to bring computing to the IT illiterate.
According to independent research, 25% (12.2 million) of the UK’s adult population don’t own a home computer, while 18.7 million adults are either without a home computer or have one but admit to being confused by them.
BCC believes the problem stems from fear and confusion, rather than financial factors, as computers and their operating systems are built for people with prior IT knowledge.
The company has developed Alex – a computer operating system designed to be far easier to use than those on the market, allowing more over-55s to uncover the benefits of the internet.
The firm will also target the 9.9m UK adults in the ‘digitally-excluded’ bracket who have no home PC, and are excluded from using computers currently on the market by income and education levels.
Meanwhile, it has also received international interest from the US, Sweden, Germany and Austria and is currently working on a business- focused version of the software.
BCC has been developing the system for four years and, after initially planning to launch it last year, opted to put back its market release date to today following the findings of trials with potential consumers.
The software was the brainchild of company founder Andy Hudson, who has played a major role in the success of a number of large-scale television music events, such as BBC Proms in the Park and BBC Music Live.
The firm now also boasts former Red Bull managing director Harry Drnec who serves as chief marketing officer.
Mr Hudson, now 62, claims he barely came into contact with a computer until he was 50 and believes the Alex system is the antidote to the many frustrations of current operating softwares such as Windows.
He said: “Alex will enable millions of people throughout the UK to overcome their fears and take advantage of the tremendous benefits computers and the internet can bring into their lives – such as connecting with friends and relatives throughout the world, being able to order groceries online or getting information such as news and health advice.”
In 2007, BCC ran a 12-week trial of the technology with 136 people in 42 households, with 9 out of 10 people saying they would recommend it to others.
CLICK HERE to go to the Alex website.
