Intel to help build 'digital communities' worldwide

Intel Corporation announced an initiative to help communities use wireless

technology and innovative applications to expand and improve services for

municipal governments, businesses and citizens. Under the 'Digital Communities'

initiative, Intel is leading a diverse group of high-tech companies to help 13

'pilot' communities design, develop and deploy comprehensive solutions and

services. This is to enhance government efficiency, promote economic growth,

foster greater community satisfaction and bridge the digital divide.

The applications range from automating mobile workers such as meter readers

and building inspectors to increasing the safety and enhancing resource

management of first responders. It can be done by remotely monitoring vehicle

location to enhancing parent-teacher collaboration for improved student success.

Cleveland; Corpus Christi; Texas; Philadelphia; Taipei and Taiwan are places

where the worldwide pilot communities are using technology industriously today.

"As wireless technology continues to evolve, local governments are seizing

the opportunity to address critical issues in their community including equal

and affordable access to broadband and more efficient and effective government

services," said Anand Chandrasekher, VP and Director, Intel Sales and

Marketing Group.

"We are working closely with these communities to help them take the

next step and harness the benefits of wireless technology. These include lower

cost of operations, enhanced public safety and security, and a foundation for

growth and competitiveness," added he.

The Digital Communities pilots span major geographies including the Americas,

Europe and Asia Pacific. Other participating cities include Portland in the

United States, along with Mangaratiba, Brazil; Dusseldorf, Germany; Gyor,

Hungary; Jerusalem, Israel; Principality of Monaco; Seoul, South Korea; Osaka,

Japan; and Westminster, United Kingdom.

Intel is working closely with Cisco, Dell, IBM and SAP to help communities

around the world replicate the successful installments in the pilot communities,

which span from small cities to major metropolitan areas. The Digital



Communities Consortium-including Cisco, Dell, IBM and SAP-are joined by Accela,
Airpath Wireless, Alvarion,



British Telecom, CapGemini, CDW Government, Inc (CDW-G), Check Point, Civitium,
EarthLink, iMove, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, Pronto Networks,

Szintezis Rt, Telindus, Tropos and Vertex.

Intel is also working closely with Muniwireless.com, an online site devoted

to municipal wireless broadband, detailing the return on investment that local

governments can realize from technology deployment. In conjunction with the

Intel Digital Communities initiative, Muniwireless created a solutions library

with case studies that highlights how applications can help governments increase

productivity, save money and improve services.

DQC NEWS BUREAU