Intel throws a channel SaaS lifeline

The UK’s under-siege system builders could be rescued by a software-as-a-service (SaaS) expeditionary force headed by Intel.

The manufacturer is set to give resellers the chance to offer applications through a SaaS infrastructure, which would be hosted by Intel, and rebadged and resold by system builders and resellers.

By initially offering remote management, Intel says it can help its channel partners move from low margin hardware sales to higher margin software services. Intel claims that hosting the service removes two of the biggest barriers to entry into the service market: investment in infrastructure and the initial acquisition of technical know-how.

Many resellers and system builders struggle to make money in the market for commodity computing hardware, explained David Byrne, a business manager for Intel’s new Multi-Site Director.

“We want to promote the idea of IT services to SMEs,” said Byrne. “At the same time we want to offer a more professional way for the channel to manage IT for clients. So we are encouraging the outsourcing of IT maintenance.”

Multi-Site Director, claimed Intel, will offer VARs the initial chance to offer remote IT monitoring and management.

Byrne described Intel’s offering to resellers as an IT services infrastructure without the investment.

“There is a lot of talk about managed services in the US, but it is still in its infancy in Europe, and we want to advance it,” he said.

Byrne said the service is designed to be easy for the channel to take up, and would take just hours instead of days of training. Intel is to offer Multi-Site Director on a free 30-day trial basis.

Kris Pomroy, commercial director at system builder Novatech, said: “Multi-Site Director is a well thought out product. It works across a range of platforms superbly, but if you are not super techie, it might not be for you.”