Intel celebrates SME portal launch

Chip giant unveils latest initiative to help SME customers find the right software for their business

Time for celebration: Intel is hailing the launch of Intel BX

Intel has taken the wraps off its SME portal, which it has claimed will give ISVs an unparalleled new route to market.

The Intel Business Exchange Software Store (Intel BX) is aimed at helping SMEs learn how to address business problems with software, evaluate different products and buy software at a competitive price. It also offers impartial advice from Intel and other independent industry experts.

Intel BX is launching simultaneously in the UK, France and Germany today.

As part of the launch the chip giant is offering all UK users an additional 10 per cent off prices until 30 June. So far the portal has 250 software applications on offer, including offerings from 50 UK ISVs.

Independent research commissioned by Intel among a selection of SMEs, has revealed that 71 per cent of respondents felt there was a lack of free, independent guidance which makes buying confusing, and 80 per cent would prefer one site where they can browse, purchase and download software.

A similar site has been running in the US for the past year, which Intel claims has attracted one million visitors so far, and counting.

Wolfgang Petersen, director of the developer relations division at Intel EMEA, said: “This launch represents an exciting development for Intel and for European SMBs. Intel BX providers users with a unique resource to learn about, evaluate and purchase software.

“It is also great for the ISV community – providing a channel to market for some of the small and highly innovative software companies who might otherwise struggle to get their products in front of such a broad audience.”