Intel launches SMB advantage program

Intel has urged all its partners to move away from box pushing and scale-up
its expertise to join the SMB advantage program that it has launched recently.
The new SMB strategy, which entails a vertical focused approach, is a pan India
initiative to assist channel partners in selling more in the SMB space.
Identifying SMB segment as the biggest opportunity in the market, Rajesh Gupta,
Director-Sales and Marketing, Intel India, said, “The SMB advantage program will
help partners make the best use of this opportunity, as SMB's are more
comfortable dealing with channel partners.”

Intel has identified existing 160 channel partners across the country to
participate in this program. To start with Intel has identified five key SMB
verticals, which includes manufacturing (auto ancillaries, gems and jewellery,
pharma and textiles), animation, stock broking and higher education. For each of
these verticals Intel has selected three partners each, who have already
demonstrated their expertise in the respective segments.

Rajesh Gupta: This vertical-focused approach is a pan India initiative to assist partners in selling more in the SMB space

“These verticals require a technology solutions quite distinct from other
segments. Intel will work with SMB partners to host special events for these
verticals where customers can purchase a complete solutions stack,” said Gupta.

Elaborating on the SMB advantage program Gupta said, “Partners under this
program will be given special training on the needs and technology requirements
of SMBs. The aim of these training is to equip them as IT consultants to SMBs
who are on the first wave of IT adoption.”

Special collaterals will be provided as part of this program to help channel
partners optimize the solutions they provide to SMB customers. Intel will also
help partners to establish proof of concept centers to showcase SMB solutions
for potential customers.

Meanwhile, Intel has roped in ICICI bank to provide special loans to SMBs at
attractive interest rate under this program.