Intel launches 'Jagruti' for rural India

NEW DELHI: Intel Corporation today unveiled an innovative PC platform to meet the requirements of the rural villages in India.

Speaking at the launch William M. Siu, vice-president and general manager, Channel Platforms Group, Intel, said that Intel defined the community PC platform after conducting intensive studies in rural India, which showed the desire for technology access in remote rural communities.

“Designed as a result of defining locally relevant computing solutions based on Intel technology, the PC platform is equipped to operate in a community setting while accommodating the varying environmental conditions prevalent in the country. The unique features of the PC is the ruggedized chassis, customized power supply unit and low power consumption,” Siu said.

With the objective to bridge the urban-rural divide, Intel also announced its 'Jagruti' initiative. By collaborating with leaders in business, government, education, online services and Internet service providers, Intel's Jagruti program will support the spread of rural Internet kiosks based on the new Intel-Powered Community PCs. These PCs would be available through Intel partners, HCL and Wipro.

Amar Babu, managing director, South Asia, Sales and Marketing, said that Intel is planning to deploy these Community PC platforms in Internet Kiosks in the villages. He said that the Community PC model provides both a means of improving efficiencies for the locals as well as creating entrepreneurship opportunities for prospective kiosk operators.

“This PC has been designed to withstand dusty conditions, varying temperatures and high humidity. The chassis keeps the motherboard cool at temperatures as high as 45 degree Celsius. The total power consumption of all peripherals is less than 100 watts. Above all, easy finance is being provided by banks for purchasing the PC,” Babu added.

Babu denied revealing the price of the PC, which will be available in the market, but said that it would not be a low cost PC. He said that they are in talks with the OEM partners after which they would announce the price.

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