The subscription computing program has already seen 2 million PCs deployed since it started nearly three years ago, said Javier Arrupea Gitlin, the head of subscription computing at Microsoft.

The company has teamed up with over 40 partners in 33 countries around the world, mainly mobile phone and Internet service providers, on the program.

The idea came about as part of Microsoft's efforts to spread computing to every corner of the world, including developing nations. But the world's largest software maker found that programs aimed at the poorest of the poor didn't make sense in countries further along in development, while traditional ways of selling new PCs kept them out of reach for many consumers.

Then the idea for subscription computing was born, and Microsoft's partners say it's not only driving computer sales, but also interest in mobile Internet computing.

"We believe this is the most affordable way to get a PC and Internet bundle in Lithuania," said Tadas Jackus, a communications manager at mobile network operator Omnitel. His company has worked with Microsoft since late 2005 and has sold 65,000 units through the subscription computing program.