Intel premier providers form association

Intel’s premier providers (IPPs) across the country have formed a forum
called the IPP Association of India (IPPAI) for the benefit of end-customers as
well as IPPs themselves. There are around 53 IPPs in the country.

According to Chetan Shah of Xpress Computers, who spearheads this initiative,
the prime objective of the association will be to establish guidelines for the
‘Premier Support Program’ (PSP), where end-customers will be provided onsite
support for products bought through another IPP in any city. "The program
will enable any IPP to sell products across multiple cities and outsource the
support/installation to a local IPP," says Chetan.

All members of the association will operate through a password protected web
site called www.premierprodi-vers.com. The site will have complete IPP database
including contact details for all cities.

Spearheading IPPs

Chetan Shah

As of now a PSP is being compiled for the functioning of the association.
"PSP is a set of guidelines set by IPPAI for any two Intel premier
providers to share revenues by offering cross-support to each other´s customers
as and when required," says Chetan.

The PSP will allow IPPs to supply PCs, servers and other products to
customers across multiple locations and then outsource the onsite installation
and support to a local IPP at mutually agreed costs. It also allows a IPP to
undertake AMC and facilities management contracts for multiple locations and
similarly sub-contract the same to a local IPP at mutually agreed costs.

"The premier support partner will ensure that the member is only acting
as a support fulfillment agency. All product or sales inquiries made by the
local office is sent to the seller," Chetan clarifies.

NELSON JOHNY