Intel Corporation has opened four platform definition centers around the world to define locally relevant computing solutions based on Intel technology. These definition centers will identify environmental considerations and marketplace requirements specific to each geographic region, including factors such as inclement weather, intermittent power supply, or specialized content needs for consumers and small businesses.
Intel platform definition centers are being established in four key markets: Bangalore, India; Cairo, Egypt; Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Shanghai, China. The centers will primarily serve the South Asian, Middle-East and African, Latin American, and East Asian regions respectively. Platforms defined in these centers may also be applied across other markets including certain market segments in developed markets.
Each center is staffed with local ethnographers, designers, and solution engineers who will conduct in-depth research and analysis to drive platform development. In addition to delivering leading microprocessor technology, Intel is also taking a comprehensive platform approach in its channel business by integrating hardware and software components that are tested and validated for interoperability. This will make it easier for channel customers to build and bring platforms to market more rapidly, enhancing their competitiveness.
As Bill Siu, vice president and general manager of the recently formed Channel Platforms Group explained, “Setting up the platform definition centers demonstrates Intel’s drive towards digital inclusion for the emerging markets. Each local market faces unique challenges, such as accessibility to technology, low literacy levels, lack of infrastructure or harsh environmental conditions. Our local definition centers as well as our integrated platform approach allow us to pinpoint these specific considerations and develop localized solutions that meet the distinctive needs of each individual market. We believe that by recognizing these factors and designing for and around them, we will stimulate PC adoption for the next one billion users.”
Shanghai Becomes Worldwide Headquarters for Channel Products Group
Siu also unveiled that the worldwide headquarters of the Channel Platforms Group will be located in Shanghai, China. “Emerging markets are a growth engine for Intel, and China represents our largest opportunity for PC expansion,” said Siu. “Shanghai in particular is increasingly becoming a major hub for the IT industry. The establishment of platform definition centers around the world and the selection of Shanghai for our group’s headquarters underscore our commitment to increasing PC literacy across the emerging markets as well as driving IT growth worldwide.”
Channel Platforms Respond to Local Market Needs
Intel already has a number of localized platform solutions under development in several countries. A ‘learning PC’ launched earlier this year with a local OEM in China was designed to specifically address Chinese parents’ concerns around using a PC to improve their children’s education. To that end, this PC incorporates features such as a physical key that allows parents to lock the PC into learning mode plus a tablet monitor equipped with pen-based input for children to practice writing Chinese characters.
Another example of an integrated hardware/software solution is one recently developed to meet the growing IT needs of Internet café owners in countries such as China and Brazil. This platform combines Intel motherboards with manageability software to allow for centralized monitoring and repair. Though initially designed for Internet-cafés, this solution has broader benefits that can also scale for mature markets with minimal modification.
Intel is also working on robust computing solutions for rural areas and farming communities. In rural villages in India, for example, PC adoption has been hindered by environmental conditions such as heat, dust, and unreliable power sources. Plans for this platform solution will focus on addressing these problems and provide better operating conditions as compared to conventional PCs.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
-- 30 --
Intel trademark or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other country. Other brands may be claimed as property of others
