Intel to unfold new vision for India

Intel Corporation, the world's biggest chipmaker, is set to unfold its new vision for India at a two-day conclave in Jaipur beginning on Friday.

The vision, according to Intel India managing director Ramamurthy Sivakumar, is to make computing and communication pervasive in the sub-continent.

As part of its World Ahead Programme (WAP), Intel's goal is to create opportunities for people across the social strata to participate in India's socio-economic development through information and communications technologies (ICTs).

"In collaboration with local and overseas organisations, we are striving to bring people more computers, tools and services by developing low-cost, full-featured PCs for first-time users and customised PCs to meet specific needs of different regions and market segments," Sivakumar told IANS.

The $39 billion Intel has begun marketing its Classmate PC. Last week it also agreed to join hands with the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Foundation, a non-profit organisation, to put computers in the hands of poor kids the world over.

Founded by former MIT Media Lab head Nicholas Negroponte, the OLPC Foundation developed the XO laptop, a simplified PC that is set to go into production in Sept and compete with Classmate PC.

Befitting the venue - the Pink City - the theme of the conclave is titled "Satrang", the many colours of Intel India, to showcase the subsidiary's efforts to bring about a community transformation through initiatives such as training one million teachers to use technology to improve teaching and donating 10,000 PCs to classrooms in progressive states for promoting e-learning.

"Inspired by the rich diversity of India and the colourful city, we are holding the conclave in Jaipur to portray the myriad colours of our operations here and highlight plans to launch newer technologies for changing the computing landscape of India in a decade.

"India continues to play a pivotal role in WAP, which seeks to speed-up access to ubiquitous technology and improve the quality of life in developing communities. The programme integrates and extends our efforts to progress in four areas - accessibility, connectivity, education and content," Sivakumar pointed out.

An old suitor of India, Intel continues to connect with and woo India at multiple levels spanning investments, research and development (R&D), corporate affairs, social responsibility and sales and marketing.

"With sessions on our efforts in education, accessibility and affordability solutions, emerging opportunities and research and development capabilities, we intend to express who we are and what we do in India through interactions with other stakeholders and exchange of ideas," Sivakumar noted.

By engaging with communities at grass-root level and seeking to improve their welfare, Intel plans to transform lives through effective and widespread use of innovative technologies.

As announced by its former chief executive officer Craig Barrett during his visit to India in 2005, Intel is investing about $1 billion in various programmes by expanding R&D operations in Bangalore, strengthening marketing and taking the benefits of technology across the country in the next five years.

Intel also plans to extend the WAP to tertiary and rural areas to bridge the digital divide and enhance the lives of those who are yet to benefit from information technology and education.

Intel currently employs about 3,000 people in its India operations.