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Intel prepares channel army for 2009

29.10.2008
Intel is all set to empower its fast growing channel ecosystems with its wide range of products to extend its footprint in India. The vendor is ready with its launch of Intel Core i7 processor based on the 45 nm technology. "Based on the quad-core architecture that decreases power consumption and increases computing performance by a large extent, i7 will be launched in mid- November. Innovation is a key to grow business for vendors and channel partners, particularly in times of global recession. Intel has been a front runner in innovation," said Steve J Dallman, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group and General Manager, Worldwide Reseller Channel Organization, Intel Corporation. Dallman's fourth visit in the past 18 months speaks about Intel's focus on India. To help channel partners in India, the vendor will ensure to stock partners with i7 before the formal launch. "This will help channels sell effectively and confidently to customers once the product is officially launched in the market," he added. The company has doubled its channel base in the past 12 months in India.

Intel has not short-listed its existing partner base for i7 processor. The i7 processor will be high priced than the present quad-core processor. Intel is targeting gaming, workstations and high-end performance enterprises, he added. Dallman also expected atom processor to become more popular with the advent of netbooks and nettops. "We expect huge sales in Q4 for atom processor as PC makers are aggressive on their netbook range. We expect the nettop -- a small form factor desktop -- powered by atom processor to be an affordable and popular choice for desktops," he said. With most of the consumers in Tier III and Tier IV cities still buying their first desktop /PC machine, nettop is an excellent business opportunity for channel partners, he added.

Intel will continue its partner-centric 'Intel Channel Partner Program' with online trainings, GTM, relationship building, lead generation and pre/post sales support for channels across India. "Intel Channel Conference held twice a year witnesses interaction with partners across 50 plus cities, which is the widest roadmap across any country for us," he said.

"Intel Flex + program launched in Q3 this year helps channels earn points for product purchases and activities. They can get extra points for promotion and exclusive membership offers,"said Ashok Nair, Channel Business Manager, Intel South Asia. They can redeem these points to increase ADR (Advanced warning Return) limit and also purchase demo units. Intel will also use locator tool online to drive customers to the partner websites.

Intel is strengthening its post-sales network with opening of two exchange centers in Mumbai and Bangalore. "We have short listed nine cities for the next 12 months. But the city number can be extended depending on the market demand," said Nair. The center will act as an 'exchange and training' depot than as a repair center to cut lead time for partners, he said. A major focus in 2009 will be helping channel integrators to become solution integrators through our wide array of server solutions, said Dallman.

"Server is fast growing and profitable business wherein partners can earn additional and business through managed services and localized support," stated Dallman.