We continue to strengthen our association with the channel year-after-year

We currently have close to about 3,000 associates and about 100 premier
partners in India. We continue to evaluate and work on our channel strategy
moving forward

How are i-series processors faring in the market?

There has been a great response to the All New 2010 Intel CoreProcessors and
this is evident by the positive results we've shown as an organization in the
first quarter. The positive sentiment around this product range continues
through this year as well. The ramp of these 32nm-based products has been our
fastest product ramp ever.

What is your channel strategy for this year? Can we expect some changes in
that in the near future?

Intel has always had a strong channel strategy in India. We work very
closely with our partners from several perspectives. We provide both technical
and retail training to our partners as well as provide merchandising solutions
for our select retail partners. Besides this, we also work with them to enable
the right tools for conducting their business effectively. During certain times
of the year, like festive seasons, back to school time etc, we work with our
partners on specific demand generation programs. We continue to strengthen our
association with the channel year- after-year.

How many partners you have in India? Does Intel plan to expand its channel
ahead in the next one year?

We currently have close to about 3,000 associates and about 100 premier
partners in India. We continue to evaluate and work on our channel strategy
moving forward. We also plan to expand our channel base in the future.

From here on, what would be the focus segment for Intel (large enterprise,
SMBs or home segment)?

At Intel we have very defined strategies for different audience segments and
hence it is difficult for us to single out any one audience group as a focus.

How is selling processors separately, different from selling it through
OEMs? How does the company handle these two different dimensions of the
business?

The dynamics of the two modes of selling are different in a way that the PC
reaches the end customer via a different route.

What are Intel's retail plans for India?

Intel plans to strengthen its presence in the retail sector in India. We
have a robust retail training program called IRAP for our partners who are
offered through both the online and the offline medium for the retail
salespersons. We also have an effective guidebook for retail merchandising,
which helps the retailers make the optimum use of their retail space. We plan to
enhance and extend the outreach of our existing set of programs for retail in
India.

Bharat Sharma

bharats@cybermedia.co.in