Intel bets on health, Wi-Max

Intel has said that Wi-Max and the multi-billion dollar healthcare industry are the next big opportunities that will drive the growth of the global IT industry.

According to Intel CEO, Craig Barrett, "There are huge opportunities in the healthcare sector waiting to be explored and tapped by ICT (information and communication technologies) to drive the next wave of growth in the high-tech industry. In fact, healthcare is one of the last industries which has not made good use of the technology so far to bring about a radical change in the way it should serve the people."

Highlighting the fact that technology has begun to change the applications of ICT in the healthcare industry, Barrett said that the medical care industry could make use of IT for accessing information anywhere, anytime in digital format.

"The second area of transformation can be in understanding of the human genome, DNA and human peculiarities of diseases. Computing power can also be used for real-time analysis and treatment of diseases," Barrett explained.

Barrett felt that the technology used to make transistors can be tried for real time analysis of fresh elements of cancerous proteins or indicators of other diseases.

"This can result in early detection of symptoms. Application of IT in medical sciences can bring about a radical transformation in the way diseases are diagnosed and treated," Barrett said.

Speaking on the future of broadband technology, Intel is of the view that Wi-Max, which is scheduled to be rolled out next year, is all set to replace Wi-Fi. According to Barrett, Wi-Max can be part of the technology transition plan for IT companies.

"Wi-Max is the big brother of Wi-Fi. Wi-Max is a broadband wireless technology with greater reach. While Wi-Fi has a reach of about 100 metre, Wi-Max can reach between 30-50 km. This technology will roll out next year and will provide competitive advantage over other broadband technologies that are currently delivering content. Cable, DSL and satellite are technologies which will compete with Wi-Max," Barrett said.

Rs 180 crore investments

Meanwhile, Intel will be investing Rs 180 crore ($40 million) over the next two years to expand its Indian operations. The company has already invested a similar amount over the last two years to beef up its Indian presence.

The expansion is focussed on high-end design and development work conducted at the existing research and development unit and paves the way for the second facility on its 43-acre campus on the Outer Ring Road.