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Intel scouting for multimedia, software allies

Intel officials said the company wants to kick-start the use of multimedia in India by making software especially for it. Intel's newer products include MMX (multimedia extensions) and, therefore, it wants the software to measure up to its chip.

Several companies, including Sega, Tata Interactive Systems, Dorling Kindersley, Ubisoft, Intellec Visions, Mindscape and Srishti Interactive have been shortlisted.

As part of the effort, Intel Technology Centre organised an Intel Matchmaking Event in Bombay from May 23-25 to spread awareness about MMX technology and the new Pentium II chip. Indian and international firms also figured at the event, including vendors, manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

Besides MMX, Intel has launched ethernet products, including the company's networking solutions, through its subsidiary firm, Intel Asia Electronics Inc. All this is part of Intel's world-wide 'Avalanche' initiative launched earlier this year.

But with competition heating up in the chip market, what with the AMD K6 and the Cyrix M2 undercutting equivalent Intel products, the initiative may be affected. Already, Intel shares have taken a beating in the American share market.

As part of its plans, Intel had dropped prices of networking products by up to 40 per cent. To create awareness on multimedia computers, Intel has set up Intel Cyberskools in Bombay and Delhi and set up Intel labs at the Indian Institutes of Technology.

The ITC, launched in Bangalore last July, already works with software developers, technologists, systems integrators, and academicians to provide expertise to the those in the information technology business.

Intel has also set up an architecture marketing programme for management information system personnel, focusing on key technology trends. It also has a programme for small and medium businesses.

- Compiled from the Indian media

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