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In an effort to make available the right components to systems builders for assembling Atom-based nettops, Intel has firmed up an alliance with component vendors such as iBall, Gigabyte, AOC and Seagate.
Said Rajesh Gupta, Director, Intel, South Asia, “Our aim through this alliance is to make easily available nettop components to systems builders in tier-3 and tier-4 cities. We will drive a coordinated supply chain for nettop building blocks with the aim of making them available at an end-user price of less than Rs 12,000.”
Gigabyte will make available the GA-GC230D motherboard based on the Atom 230 processor through its distributor, Neoteric Infomatique. AOC will make available 15-inch CRT monitors specially for this purpose. The monitor-maker also plans to make available a model of LCD monitors that will fit the Intel-prescribed nettop price of Rs 12,000.
Seagate has assured availability of the 80 GB HDD which has long been phased out from the market, while iBall will supply a small form-factor chassis specifically designed with 200 W SMPS.
“We will ensure supply chain availability of our nettop motherboards through our local presence. As the demand for nettops grow, we intend to manufacture the motherboard locally in Goa to ensure more economy,” said Rajan Sharma, General Manager, Gigabyte India.
Added Sandeep Parasrampuria, Director, iBall, “We have specifically designed cases for nettops to give affordability and style. Our small form-factor chassis are designed with 200 watt power supply, and we will soon roll out slimmer models that work on lower wattage.”
Intel is planning to take this alliance to other countries in the Asean region. “This initiative has been led by the Indian team, and other countries in the region already want to replicate this model. It will help build economies of scale for our ecosystem partners, and help in further bringing down the cost of nettop building blocks,” said Gupta. |