The news comes at an opportune time for Alcoa, which last summer launched new aluminum alloys that it says will lower the cost, weight and maintenance of aircraft compared with the composites currently used.

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In that case, Windows PC has lower initial purchase costs and the overall maintenance cost.

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Through virtual desktop integration, Cisco Cius offers flexible computing options with cloud-based services, providing dramatically lower capital costs and cost-per-user for desktop maintenance.

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But because of lower fuel and brake-maintenance expenses, UPS could recoup that added cost within three years, he said.

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