Intel’s channel programs increase focus on regional platforms

Intel today held a roundtable in Dubai to update the press about its latest channmel programs, as this spring’s Intel channel conferences come to a close, having visited some 13 cities in the Middle East and North Africa. With a new platform definition center in Cairo, and enhanced programs to shore up the channel’s business in the mobility and SMB segments, Intel is on track with its plans to support regional system integrators by offering increasingly tailored platforms and solutions to help system integrators build on the burgeoning digital surge in the region.
“Our policy for many years has been to bring the latest and greatest Intel platforms on time to our channel members”, said Nass Nauthoa, Intel’s channel manager in the GCC, “Today, to ensure that customers in the region optimize their use of our technologies, we are working to help develop bespoke platforms, programs and solutions to help serve the growing demand for computers and new usage models in our markets”
An example of Intel’s commitment to working with the channel to create tailor made solutions for the region, is the opening of the Platform Definition Centre in Cairo, which will define and develop platforms designed specifically for the needs of Intel’s customers in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa.  The center’s first program will be the launch of a pilot for internet cafés in Egypt and Turkey.
“Another focus” added Nauthoa “is to support our channel through new platforms and product transitions. Most recently, we held a number of training and briefing activities to support the move to the new Intel® Express chipsets which are key elements to the platforms that help our channel’s foray into the digital home arena”
Intel is also accompanying Intel Premier Providers on the road, speaking at events organized for their customers, and aiming at giving SMBs a synopsis of the latest platforms for the digital enterprise, with a focus on Intel based servers.