Cost effective technology now available for SMBs across Egypt

Cairo, Egypt, June 2nd, 2008 - Intel held an event today titled "Grow Your Business Through Technology Leadership" to help evolving small and medium-sized business and enterprises (SMBs and SMEs) successfully deploy Intel Technology in streamlining their operations, with guests including owners of SMBs, Social Fund for Development clients, SMB Policy Makers, NGOs and business associations. Partnering with Intel at the event was the Social Fund for Development (SFD) who, together with Intel, had previously signed an agreement to deliver cost-effective, Arabized technology to Egypt's SMBs. SMBs are usually enterprises that employ no more than 250 employees and the growth of local SMBs and SMEs is important as they can help to directly alleviate poverty by increasing income levels and creating jobs. The fastest PC market growth is coming from SMB sectors with an estimated 2 million registered SMEs exist in Egypt. According to a survey conducted by Microsoft, only 10% of 400,000 medium/large sized companies operating in Egypt have installed computers.

"There is huge potential in the SMB market in Egypt, which represents 80% of GDP and 75% of the labor force," says Karim El Fateh, Intel Business Development Manager, Egypt, Levant and North Africa. "These latest cost-effective solutions are instrumental to driving results and growth, especially for SMEs. Intel thanks the Social Fund for Development and all our partners in this program for opening new doors to young Egyptian businesses."  

Partnering with Intel on this event, Yasser Helmy, Director of Smart Village Office, Social Fund for Development said, "Working with industry leaders with global expertise and local know-how is integral to the success of this program. We are pleased to have seen such a tremendous response from Egyptian businesses and to play a role in encouraging fresh ideas and talent."

Intel began this SMB initiative by working with SFD, Cisco, Microsoft, TE Data, ISP, MicroTech, ISV and 4 integrators on developing a one-stop-shop solution for SMBs/SMEs. The four integrators include Raya, Centra, Asma, and Bahgat, the latter will carry out a demo of the solution in their booth during the event. The solution offers an Intel® Core™2 Duo based PC, basic accounting and CRM applications, bundled with Cisco router and Internet Connectivity. The solution is also available on Futjitsu Siemens branded PCs based on Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, and Notebooks based on Intel Centrino Processor Technology. FSC offers are available through Asma Group, their new channel partner. With this new addition, Intel will be targeting Centrino and Mobility users with a new set of solutions at an affordable price.

Keynote speeches were given by several of Intel's executives including Intel's General Manger, Egypt Levant and North Africa, Khaled Elamrawi, in addition to speeches by executives from Fujitsu Siemens and the Social Fund for Development about products and solutions for SMBs, and increasing SMB competitiveness.

The new solution will be rolled out in three phases. The first phase will provide general, horizontal solutions - accounting and CRM, followed by phase 2 which will begin looking into more vertical applications (eg. pharmacy applications), and finally phase 3 will introduce multi-national and mobility solutions. Funding, instalments and program support is provided by SFD http://www.sfdegypt.org/ as part of their national program for SMEs and SMBs and job creation in Egypt. For more information about the solution or to download the application please go to www.ict4sme.net.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and http://blogs.intel.com. 

-Ends-

© Press Release 2008