Intel India wants to partner HRD ministry for '1,500 PC rollout

KOLKATA: Intel India plans to collaborate with the union HRD ministry to commercially rollout the `1,500 tablet PC for students, the prototype of which was showcased by the government on Thursday. The world’s largest chipmaker intends to provide its technical assistance to the government in terms of design evolution, hardware configuration and bring together OEM manufacturers on the table for the product.

This comes at a time when the Centre has just sought expression of interest (EoI) for commercialisation of the product. It wants inputs from vendors on production of the tablet PC, which can be sold at `1,500 or less. The government plans to commercially launch the product next year.

“We already have close partnership with the HRD ministry and will respond to the EoI,” said Intel Technology India director (sales and marketing group) Sandeep Aurora. “The opportunity is immense for Intel, such as incorporating the processor to look at other PC technologies. We will collaborate with the entire PC eco-system and can act as a good match maker as well,” he said.

Intel feels the project will have immense potential to for PC penetration in the country. “This will go a long way in introducing computers at schools. We have worked on such low-cost PCs for students in other countries and will ensure that India does not repeat the same mistakes which others committed,” said Mr Aurora.

The government and education vertical is a big revenue generator for Intel India. It has been working with several state governments to take computers to the grassroot level. It recently commenced work in the North-East region. “We donate PCs to schools and undertake teacher’s training,” Mr Aurora said.