Intel conference preps channel for 2005

Speaking at the conference, Intel's channel manager for the Middle East Turkey and Africa region, Maan Ahmadie, identified the new areas for growth for the channel over the next year, "Intel is committed to supporting the reseller channel with the latest knowledge and strategic tools to capitalize on the opportunity offered by the ongoing high demand from businesses and consumers for mobile solutions, one of the fastest growing market segments in our industry."

In 2004, Intel went on an ambitious channel expansion program which took it
into over 200 new cities in the Europe Middle East and Africa region.

"The year 2004 has been a very busy year for our channel program," said Ahmadie.
"We embarked on an expansion program which has taken us to 70 new cities in the Middle East Turkey and Africa. We significantly increased our level of support and training, to enable our members to rise up to the challenge and deliver state of the art, quality systems that will enable them to tap into the continued growth of IT in our region. The next step to build on what we did in 2004 is to identify the opportunities and take advantage of them," he added.

A key focus of this year's conferences was to highlight to Intel® Premier Providers and Intel® Product Integrators how they can maximize the growth opportunity offered through Intel's latest server and desktop platforms. Intel explained how it can help resellers and system integrators to benefit from these opportunities with new product, training and marketing programs.

The most prestigious of Intel's three channel programmes is the Intel® Premier Provider Program for a select reseller community, which currently has around 560 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) members and has grown at an annual rate of 40% since its launch in 1998.

Through its close relationship with these top resellers and distributors, more innovative Intel-based mobile, digital home and enterprise refresh solutions are delivered to improve the way end-users live and work.

Being part of the Intel Premier Provider Program ultimately provides benefits for resellers, systems integrators and the end-user. As Intel Premier Providers, resellers can offer customers the latest Intel-based products and solutions, as well as detailed technical information and after-sales support. The ability to deliver tailored solutions to meet specific customer needs is driven by channel members' local presence, technical expertise and quick response time, and their ability to create strong relationships with their customers.

The Intel Premier Provider Program is designed to significantly promote and help grow the business of Intel's top channel integration customers. These resellers have qualified for this highly-regarded recognition and are authorised to use the prestigious Intel Premier Provider brand on the basis of their commitment to leadership in a selected market.