Intel India and BSNL today announced the launch of an all new initiative called ‘Meri Manzil Mera Pehela Kadam’ where the two companies have come together with a common purpose of making personal computers and broadband easily accessible and available to the masses.
R. Sivakumar, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing Group, Intel South Asia, said, “Intel has always believed that the Internet is capable of transforming lives and the future of our country. We have been working steadily with our partners to provide a slew of affordable computing devices with the Intel Atom processors to enable easy access to the Internet. Intel believes that the WiMAX broadband technology can help bridge the digital divide in India and is certain that with this initiative we will make it easy for people to own their first PC and explore the internet thereby bringing about a positive change in their lives.”
Affordable low-cost devices to drive Internet access
The Intel Atom processor enables an emerging class of affordable Internet-centric devices called Netbooks and Nettops. Netbooks and Nettops offer both emerging and mature markets an easy-to-use device with simple interfaces and targeted performance for a good online experience. Netbooks are rugged and compact in design, and offer the freedom and flexibility of wireless connectivity, whereas Nettops offer an affordable at-home experience on a reliable computing device. They can be used by children and first-time computer users for basic computing applications, listening to music, e-mailing and surfing the Internet.
Darpan- Local language user internet simplifies PC usage
These devices will leverage existing displays and has an option of a local language interface called ‘Darpan’ which will enable new users to experience the internet and its endless opportunities. Darpan is an initiative by Intel and its software partners to simplify the PC usage especially for first time buyers. All relevant content and India centric Internet content is compiled to ensure minimal keyboard usage and make navigation easier by using local language menus and commands. This user interface is currently available in Hindi, Marathi and Tamil and will be extended to other languages going forward.
‘Meri Manzil Mera Pehela Kadam’ Go to market initiative
Talking about this initiative Mr. R.K. Aggarwal, Director (Consumer Mobility) from BSNL said “The Internet is fast emerging as a defining step in education, communication, business and entertainment. Through our host of connectivity solutions and partnership with Intel we aim to create awareness amongst citizens on the benefits of the Internet and what it can enable. We are working closely with Intel to accelerate WiMAX broadband connectivity across India with the aim of bridging digital divide and extend the benefits of technology to millions of Indians.”
Intel and BSNL go to market initiative will cover rural locations across the length and breadth of the nation over the next few months. This program will cover the entire spectrum of connectivity solutions from BSNL and range of devices based on Intel processors including the Intel Atom Processor based Netbooks and Nettops.
The demo kiosks including ‘Darpan’ will be on display at the Convergence India Show at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from 23rd to 25th of March 2010.
