Intel woos dealers with soft dollars

Intel has re-vamped its channel strategy and announced initiatives including marketing programmes, discounts, and use of an official logo. The Authorised Solution Provider programme designates some dealers as "preferred sources" for Intel’s products and services, and includes a certification scheme which means such dealers must have two or more individuals who have taken exams and courses. Two or more employees at the dealerships must possess the Intel certification for such a site to be a preferred source. Benefits of dealers who enter the scheme include early information about products and development, advertising and PR campaigns, the ability to license the use of the Intel name, and "attractive financial incentives" on selected products, as well as some cheaper demonstration products, the company said. Accreditation also provides dealers with access to Intel’s network design centre. Soft marketing dollars dealerships build up can be used to help fund seminars, attendance at trade shows and the like, said Intel. ®