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Intel to strengthen channel programs

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DQC Bureau
New Update

Recognizing the growing contribution of partners to its overall business,

Intel has decided to strengthen its channel programs. The GID (genuine Intel

dealer) program will be extended to more B and C-class cities and the channel

base would be increased from 100 to 150 cities. Intel’s channel conference (ICC)

which was part of this program was held in five cities in 2001. This year the

event will be held across 13 cities nationwide.

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Says Amar Babu, GM-Channels, South Asia, Intel Asia Electronics, "The

GID program has the right mix of training, marketing program support, web-based

support and technical support." This program incorporates channel rebate

wherein, for every product that the partner sells, Intel gives him an incentive

directly.

Under its premium partner program, Intel has started working with partners

who can offer vernacular and voice recognition applications. Intel has also

launched its ‘Build Your Server’ program and has over 100 partners who are

building and supporting servers.

It is also supporting 20 GIDs who assemble build-to-order notebooks. Says

Amar, "We provide partners with notebook processors and are also working

with chassis manufacturers to help partners build economically viable

notebooks."

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Amar claims that Intel’s best investment in the country has been the

setting up of its Chennai depot, which helps reduce the turnaround time for

warranty issues. "We are evaluating the chances of having similar product

hubs in other cities for server-related support," informs he.

Intel’s worldwide sales through channel have increased by 35 percent last

year. CPU sales went up by 42 percent in APAC in 2001 vis-a-vis 2000. In India

this figure was 20 percent.

Intel´s Indian growth rate was impacted last year due to the global

slowdown. However channel business was less impacted as compared to OEM

business. The main reason for this was that the home and educational sector were

key buyers in 2001, while the corporate buying was slow.

DQCI NEWS BUREAU



MUMBAI

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