Working with over 1,500 system integrators (SI) and network solutions providers in Gujarat, Intel India is eyeing a 20 per cent growth in its personal computer (PC) penetration among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
"In Gujarat, the SME sector traditionally relies on system integrators and network solutions providers. Hence, we are working with over 1,500 SIs to train them in getting to know SME needs in Gujarat," said Srinivas Tadigadapa, director - sales and marketing, west and central regions, Intel India.
Moreover, the technology major is also looking to train SMEs in Gujarat in PC usage.
"PC penetration will not mean anything if they are not used for the right purpose. The SMEs in Gujarat, especially in the sectors of diamond, textile and auto ancillaries, need to grow in PC usage for purposes like business development, client servicing and data analysis, among other things," said Tadigadapa.
According to Intel, currently the PC penetration in Gujarat stands at 30 per cent, with a growth rate of around 10 per cent per annum. Through distribution channels like SIs and network solution providers, Intel India looks to double the same in next one year, Tadigadapa added.
On the retail front, Intel India has tied up with Gujarat-based CPS Technologies for rolling out its first multi-branded modular technology store in Ahmedabad.
Further, in next couple of quarters, Intel and CPS look to add 20 more such stores across the country.
The modular multi-branded technology store offers brands like Acer, Apple, Asus, Canon, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Nikon, Samsung, and Sony. Apart from IT products, the store hosts a range of other technology products including laptops, Ultrabooks, all-in-one PCs, smartphones, digital cameras, security-surveillance products, gaming devices like XBOX and PlayStation.
"Intel will help CPS in designing the store in order to increase footfalls as well as offer assistance in co-branding the store. We will also train the sales force in soft skills and computer skills in order to handle customers," Tadigadapa added.
While Intel-CPS have launched their first outlet in Ahmedabad, the partners are now looking at stores in non-metro cities like Indore, Jaipur and Pune, among others. At an average store size of 4,000 sq ft, each store is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 2 crore per annum, said Ashish Desai, founder, CPS Technologies.
