Intel India Launches Online Marketplace For SMBs

Intel India has introduced an online storefront and business solution Web portal designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The Intel Business Exchange (Intel BX) brings together offerings such as bundled software and hardware, stand-alone business applications and services. Those accessing the site can research products and services, request quotes and connect with solution providers to speed the identification, selection and implementation of the technology they need to run their businesses.

The community-enabled website includes resources such as product descriptions, interactive demonstrations, whitepapers, case studies, blog entries and user-submitted product ratings and reviews, in order to help SMB professionals find answers to their toughest business challenges. Product categories currently featured on Intel Business Exchange include storage, security, office productivity and collaboration, ERP, CAD/CAM, HRM, and other on-premise business applications.
“The Indian SMB market is yet to be fully tapped and there is enough scope for technology players to offer integrated and customised solutions. The time is right to provide a single window platform that will address all the needs and issues faced by SMBs and transform the market into an organised set-up, the very idea underlying the genesis of Intel Business Exchange. The Exchange brings together resources and platform solutions built on Intel technology with best-of-breed solution providers to create a seamless, one-stop shopping experience for SMB customers.”
In addition to being a resource for SMBs, Intel Business Exchange helps independent software vendors (ISVs) and channel partners reach potential customers. ISVs currently participating in Intel Business Exchange include Tally, TidalData, Planvisage, Reach Technologies, Think3, Yukti, Infospectrum, Instacol, iWeb Technology and Kaspersky.
According to a report on IT adoption in Indian SMEs published by Microsoft and AMI Partners in February 2008, the share of Indian SMEs total IT spend has been growing rapidly over the past few years. There is evidence that growth in SMB IT spend is set to continue at a robust 24 percent. This growth rate is the fastest amongst all BRIC countries, with Russia, China and Brazil following at 22.9 percent, 20.4 percent and 19.4 percent respectively.