As one of Intel's largest OEM system builders and as a member of the Microsoft Refurbisher Programme, Stone has negotiated a new range of genuine Microsoft software licensing to enable the educational marketplace to take advantage of the low-cost potential of recycled / refurbished PCs.

James Bird, CEO, Stone, comments, "Unfortunately, it is a common problem in the second-user IT market that suppliers install counterfeit or unlicensed operating systems and software on the hardware that passes through their hands. This potentially has serious consequences for the customer, who will not be purchasing a genuine product and may be at risk of action and fines from FAST (The Federation Against Software Theft)."

Mark Wilkinson, MAR Partner Manager - EMEA, Microsoft, comments, "Microsoft has appreciated the significant issues in selling to the public sector, where strict procurement processes are in place to protect both the integrity of the IT systems and their reputation. We are therefore extremely happy to have developed this relationship with Stone so that its scheme will allow educational establishments greater access to low-cost, refurbished PCs. As the only UK manufacturer to have ownership of its own recycling and recovery facilities, and as a long-term Microsoft OEM partner, we can be confident that all products sold as part the Encore scheme will have official licenses."

Under the Encore scheme, entry-level desktop PCs will be available from just £99, mid-range offerings available at £129, and the higher-specification models at £149. All desktop PCs sold under the scheme will come with a packaged with a new Microsoft keyboard and optical mouse. Stone expects to deliver up to 4,500 units to customers in the closing months of 2010. "Access to IT is a vital ingredient in learning environments", continues Bird.

"But in the current climate of deep public spending cuts, it is undoubtedly more of a challenge for educational institutions such as primary schools to procure new IT hardware. With government initiatives to support IT procurement for schools in deprived areas also coming to an end, it is more difficult than ever for schools to provide students with sufficient access to IT. Stone has designed the Encore scheme to enable schools with limited budgets to provide IT that meets students' needs, with the reassurance of a full warranty and support contract."