Tablets, 2 in 1s, Desktops, Servers and IoT; Never more opportunities to grow, says Intel

Tablets, 2 in 1s, reimagined desktops, servers and the Internet of Things (IoT) represent key growth opportunities for partners over the next twelve months, Intel has told a gathering of leading technology channel businesses.

500 Intel Technology Partners from Asia Pacific and Japan met in Singapore this week at the 2014 Intel Solutions Summit (ISS). This week’s event is the fourth of five on the global ISS schedule, the company’s largest partner event.

Mr. Ferhad Patel, director, reseller channel organization(RCO), Asia Pacific and Japan at Intel saidthe computing industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and that this presents a diverse and growing range of opportunities for the company’s channel partners.

“Intel’s strategy is to embrace computing in all its forms,” said Patel. “We are taking Intel Architecture into new markets, like IoT, while the 2 in 1 form factor is expanding into new verticals like education.”

“Meanwhile, compelling new form factors such as mini PCs and all-in-ones (AIOs) are challenging traditional assumptions about desktops and driving renewed excitement,” Patel said.

New Intel® NUC powered by Intel® AtomTM Processor E3815 Launched

Intel launched the newest offering in its Next Unit of Computing(NUC) product line- the first to be powered by an Intel AtomE3815 processor (based on the company’s“Bay Trail” architecture).

The new NUC, model DE3815TYKH,is designedwith thin client applications in mind. It features a fan-less design, on board eMMC memory, and the space savings of a 4”x4” motherboard. With the ability to directly power a LCD monitor through an onboard eDP connector, the new NUC is a great solution for kiosks, point-of-sale and digital signage. It also is expected to be relevant to the space-constraints of modern Asia’s urban homes.

The new product is available in distribution.

First-Ever Intel® Education 2 in 1 Provides Countless Ways to Learn

Intel also announced the first APJ partners for its recently-introduced Education 2 in 1, Intel’s first ever education-targeted reference design using the 2 in 1 form factor.

A learning tool designed with students in mind, the Intel Education 2 in 1 has the flexibility and mobility of a tablet plus the performance and productivity of a laptop, giving students the best of both worlds in one device.

The Intel Education 2 in 1 is a powerful learning platform that features affordable tools such as a snap-on magnification lens and a temperature sensor, which work with the Intel Education Software suite to enable experiments that inspire student curiosity and promote inquiry.

The Intel Education 2 in 1 is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom processor Z3740D, runs Windows* 8.1, and provides up to 7.8 hours of battery life as a tablet and an optional 3+ hours of additional battery life when docked.

With its ruggedized, durable design, the Intel Education 2 in 1 is designed to withstand drops of up to 70 cm and is water and dust resistant2, which ensures the device can stand up to hands-on learning inside and outside the classroom.

Intel Technology Partners Leader (Australia), Viper (Pakistan), Connoisseur (India), Supreme (Thailand), publisher Felta (Philippines) and systems integrator EM Harrisma (Indonesia) will offer the Intel Education 2 in 1 to schools in their market.

Mr. Theo Kristoris, managing director Leader Computers, said the company first partnered with Intel back in 1996.

“Most recently we have worked together to revolutionize technology within the education sector through the creation of Intel’s first ever Education specific 2 in 1, a device with the flexibility and mobility of a tablet and the performance and productivity of a laptop – it really has the power to change the way students learn,” Mr. Kristoris said.

Enabling the Growing Internet of Things

Intel is also actively pursuing a range of solutions, from the edge device to the cloud, that address the growing opportunities presented by IoT, Mr. Patel said.

The company recently announced availability of the Intel® Gateway Solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), a family of integrated solutions based on Intel Quark SoC X1000 Series and Atom processors, in addition to a Galileo-based development platform. These platforms enable businesses to reduce costs and offer new services by unlocking valuable data from legacy systems that were not connected to each other or the cloud.

Turning to other smart, connected devices that help make up the IoT, Intel Edison technology is on track for availability later this year, the company recently said.

Intel Technology Partners Celebrate 15 Years

At this year’s Solutions Summit,27 businesses are celebrating 15 years as Intel Technology Partners. Mr. Kim Dong Woo, Department Manager with Korea’s E-Tron said: “We value this network and find the Intel Solutions Summit to be a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with other leaders in the channel. The unparalleled access to Intel executives, trends and product roadmaps has allowed us to stay ahead of our competitors.”

“As the desktop market changes in Korea we’ve been able to work with Intel as part of the partner network to re-invigorate the desktop segment offering custom NUC units developed by us for our customers. This new market wouldn’t have been possible without Intel or the partner network,” Mr. Kim said.

About Intel Solutions Summit: ISS provides Intel’s Channel community with access to key marketing and business strategies, leadership, and information regarding specific customer solutions designed to help partners succeed in the marketplace. Along with informative learning opportunities, ISS is an ideal setting for partners to garner valuable knowledge from their peers and from Intel. Valuable programs include keynotes, the product and solution showcase, the annual Channel awards, education sessions and networking opportunities.

About the Intel Channel: Intel first established a reseller Channel sales organization more than a decade ago to focus on the needs of our worldwide network of distributors, resellers, dealers, retailers and local integrators. This helped drive sales increases and the reseller channel now accounts between 20 to 30 percent of all Intel processor unit sales, selling products through a network of more than 255 distributors with 1,100 warehouse locations to a broad organization of 225,000 members in 165 countries. In aggregate, the Channel is Intel’s largest customer and represents a powerful Intel strategic advantage.

About Intel: Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. As a leader in corporate responsibility and sustainability, Intel also manufactures the world’s first commerciallyavailable “conflict-free” microprocessors. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com, and about Intel’s conflict-free efforts at conflictfree.intel.com

Photo caption: Intel’s “Thin Canyon” NUC (left) and Intel Education 2 in 1