Intel maintains stance on future of desktops

Senior executives from Intel recently gathered MEA partners in Rome to deliver their latest updates and advice for the channel. The verdict? Notebooks are the future, desktops shouldn't be ignored and differentiation counts.

Microprocessors and airlines don't have much in common, but Intel appears to have found a link between the two after launching its Intel Flex+ - a new channel programme that it likens to an air miles scheme in concept.

The vendor says the initiative will offer loyal partners across the Middle East an "array of benefits and awards" such as online training, channel event invitations and promotions.

According to Intel, Premier and Associate member partners are eligible to join free online and any ‘miles' earned can be cashed in through its authorised distribution partners.

Steve Dallman, Intel VP for sales and marketing group and general manager of its worldwide reseller channel organisation, says the new initiative compensates for the fact that the Intel Inside scheme has been more of a branding and marketing-funding programme in the past. "One of the things we found is that partners were not able to get benefits for their business," he admitted. "What we have been able to do is put in place this points programme, which allows them to earn points that they can exchange for other benefits Intel provides in the programme.

The Flex+ initiative, which was launched at the vendor's recent annual Solutions Summit, where Dallman also revealed to partners the company's growth strategy. And considering Intel recently announced record global revenues, the Middle East partners were all ears to find out how they can claim a piece of that pie in their markets.

Following the provider's strategy of offering the same technology in every market, regardless of maturity or size, Dallman is rallying partners to prepare their sectors for the introduction of Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, Rich Creek 2 mobile motherboard and a series of new desktop motherboards.

The release of the notebook motherboards is an endorsement of the importance of the mobile market to Intel. Even in less developed markets, such as Egypt where desktops make up over two thirds of PC consumption, mobile computing is steadily having an impact on the landscape.