Intel launches SMB advantage program

Nelson Johny

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."

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

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.

"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.

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