Intel launches multi user environments for School PC Labs, SMBs and Internet cafes

IPAT represents an innovative combination of platform, technology and software, and will improve the user experience in the school labs environment as well as increase both performance and productivity for regional SMBs.

IPAT also addresses internet café (I-Café) owners, by offering them secure and speedier computing environments.

Optimised for performance on existing Intel Architecture platforms, IPAT simplifies the management and administration of computers and software applications in small and medium sized networks by minimising computer downtime. 'Irrespective of the size of their business, small and medium businesses (SMBs) need to move IT from routine maintenance to a crucial business enabler. IT is no longer an optional investment, but has become a critical part of business operations,' explained Khaled Elamrawi who heads up Intel's Platform Definition Centre in Egypt.

'In this environment, IPAT can help in improving service quality and work efficiency, and simultaneously reduce costs. It centralises all routine management tasks and enables administrators to automate or remotely manage from a central console, and thereby spend less time visiting machines on their networks. 'End users also benefit from a more reliable and stable computing environment.

Elamrawi also added that Intel was specifically addressing SMBs located around the Middle East, by coinciding with the launch of the Intel Developer Forum. 'What we are doing is providing cost-effective solutions to price-sensitive SMBs, at a forum where we have their collective attention and interest. We hope to encourage businesses, as well as multi-user environments like I-Cafés and schools to rely on these platforms to maintain a stable and more secure computing environment,' he stated.

Elaborating on the current competitiveness in I-Café environments, he said that businesses were set apart by offering faster game upgrades, reduced PC crashes, easy central management and asset protection. 'IPAT's stable and secure computing environment, with its remote access and power management capabilities ensures that an I-Café business has no unplanned downtime. This is a crucial advantage in today's competitive market,' he added.

'With their increasing number of users and rapid renovation in new technologies, management is becoming a very important issue at School PC Labs, Call Centres and Internet cafes. The costs are very important and IT staff support isn't available most of the time. In such environments, Intel® PAT allows the most efficient complete management solution in an affordable price.'

The new Intel platform supports the Intel® Pentium® 4 processors, Intel® Celeron® D processors, and Intel® Pentium® Dual Processor. It comprises an Intel®945PLNM Motherboard featuring Intel® PAT, firmware components and software, and also includes Application Programming Interfaces that enable further development of related applications.