Intel Touts SMB Storefront

May 5, 2008

Intel introduced an online storefront and business solution Web portal designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The Intel Business Exchange (Intel BX) brings together offerings such as bundled software and hardware, stand-alone business applications and services. Those accessing the site can research products and services, request quotes and connect with solution providers to speed the identification, selection and implementation of the technology they need to run their businesses.

To help SMB professionals find answers to their toughest business challenges, the community-enabled Web site includes resources such as product descriptions, interactive demonstrations, whitepapers, case studies, blog entries and user-submitted product ratings and reviews. Product categories currently featured on Intel Business Exchange include storage, security, telecommunications, on-premise business applications and on-demand business applications.

"We have broken new ground with the introduction of the Intel Business Exchange," said Renee James, vice president and general manager of Intel's Software and Solutions Group. "Intel BX brings together leading resources and platform solutions built on Intel technology with best-of-breed solution providers to create a seamless, one-stop shopping experience for SMB customers."

In support of today's announcement, AllBusiness.com, an online media and e-commerce company, launched AllBusiness Exchange, a stand-alone solutions marketplace powered by Intel Business Exchange, to sell Intel-based technology.

"Intel Business Exchange is a perfect fit for our vast audience of SMB decision makers," said Kathy Yates, CEO of AllBusiness.com. "We have more than 4 million monthly visitors who are actively searching for solutions to their business needs, with many of them focused on technology issues. AllBusiness.com's 'how-to' information and Intel Business Exchange solutions and providers is a powerful combination of resources available for this valuable audience."

In addition to being a resource for SMBs, Intel Business Exchange helps independent software vendors (ISVs) and channel partners reach potential customers. ISVs currently participating in Intel Business Exchange include AMI, Doculex, Everest, Fonality, Microsoft, Open-E, salesforce.com*, Symantec and Tripwire.

"Salesforce.com focuses on market leadership, technology innovation and, most importantly, customer success with our Software-as-a-Service CRM applications and Force.com Platform-as-a-Service," said Clarence So, chief marketing officer, salesforce.com. "Participating in Intel Business Exchange provides an excellent means for SMB customers to find and access solutions that best meet their business needs."

"Intel Business Exchange creates a town square through which key partners can confidently provide small businesses with integrated solutions to secure and manage information," said Carine Clark, senior vice president of marketing, Symantec. "Intel BX is a great example of the increasingly diverse relationship Intel has with partners such as Symantec."