Intel 'connects' the GCC

Starting in Muscat, the Intel Channel Conferences (ICC), themed under the title of 'Connect', will hit 10 cities across the region targeting systems integrators and resellers. The conferences will focus on Intel's shift to dual core technology, Intel's new microarchitecture, the Intel® Interchangeability Initiative for mobile business, and the latest updates on Intel® Channel Partner Program.

'The ICC series is an opportunity to educate our expanding customer base in the region on the latest platforms and our shift to dual core across our entire products stack: through desktop, server and mobile,'

said Nassir Nauthoa, Intel's Reseller Channel Manager for the GCC.

'The conferences will also help systems integrators to leap ahead with the company's new programs and initiatives, including a completely revised channel partner program.'

Intel's new Channel Partner Program replaces all existing programs. The new program will drive Intel's competitive advantages with relevant marketing, business and technical support and is scalable, offering channel organizations a clear path to upgrade membership levels.

One of the most innovative programs to be rolled out during the conferences will be the Intel Interchangeability Initiative. Designed to establish industry-standards in common technology building blocks, the initiative will provide its channel partners significant potential for additional revenue opportunities through the standardization of components such as spare battery packs. Components will be supported with a 'Verified by Intel®' marketing promotion targeted specifically to channel resellers who plan to carry bare-bone stock keeping units enabled with the seven common building block components.

'We are introducing the Intel Interchangeability initiative as an enabler for the channel to build and brand their own range of notebooks and thereby benefit from the fast expanding mobile market,' said Nauthoa.

'The program will provide channel partners with the choice of selling either pre-configured or build-to-order notebooks and offers more flexibility in product specifications. The standards are backed up by the tagline 'Verified by Intel' which certifies that Intel has worked with each of the component suppliers to ensure their products are compliant with its interchangeability specifications.'

Following the launch of Intel® Viiv™ technology, Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology, and the Intel® Core™ Duo processor, channel partners will continue to benefit from Intel's strong platform and product roadmap throughout 2006.

Nauthoa added that alongside latest server, mobile and business desktop PC platforms, the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture will deliver significant performance gains and power efficiency.

'This year Intel will ramp dual-core processors across all platforms using its industry-leading 65-nm manufacturing process. This will enable new usage models for consumers and enterprises offering increasing opportunities for the channel to deliver additional value-add.'

Intel Channel Conference will be on a region wide tour, visiting the following cities:
07 May 2006 Muscat, Oman
09 May 2006 Sa'ana, Yemen
22 May 2006 Doha, Qatar
20 May 2006 Manama, Bahrain
24 May 2006 Kuwait, Kuwait
29 May 2006 Abu Dhabi, UAE
31 May 2006 Dubai, UAE
03 June 2006 Jeddah, KSA
04 June 2006 Riyadh, KSA
06 June 2006 Al Khobar, KSA