How times have changed. NOt so long ago Intel's account managers were considered an arrogant bunch, who wouldn't give the time of day to second and third-tier UK system builders.

It's different now: One UK player says that he's called every day by Intel and gets an unannounced visit once a week. This isn't a scary on-the-spot inspection kind of visit; it's a matey-get together-to make-sure-everything's-running-smoothly call. Intel's doing all it can to help.

Our UK source is happy with this (well, he prefers it to the service he used to get).

And in a role reversal, AMD account managers are getting a bit complacent, our system builder reports. Apparently they're not quite the-eager-to-please-team of old. A bit of success is going to their head? ®

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