During Intel’s Channel Alliance Summit done in Portland, the company summarized their vision for the future of computing technology as well as the channel.  According to Michael Ray, Intel’s North American channel Sales Manager, a quick expansion of worldwide computing is expected in the next 4 years.  In addition, there will be around 1 billion new internet users, about 15 billion new connected devices and an amazing 1 zettabyte of Internet traffic by 2015.

For this growth to happen, it is needs to have an incredible infrastructure.  Ray has also pointed out that computing is not relegated to the PC anymore, but there is still a need for the continuity of personal computing devices such as mobile phones, laptops, notebooks, and tablets.   However, he emphasized and encouraged channel members to focus on the “PC-like embedded space” or products working just like a PC but with main functions aside from computing.  Examples of this are digital signage, security, retail point of sales, as well as storage.  To engage this type of market would be a success.

Because of computing devices’ diversity, Intel is also changing its position with regards to channel management.

“The old system builder focus won’t work with the new product continuum,” Ray said. “The world now has a lot of devices running different solutions, and those products will require an integrated channel play,” Ray added during his keynote address.

Moreover, the leading chip maker has already perfected their plans on investing $30 million in cloud computing research in five years, aiming to shape the future of cloud computing.  To support this research plan, they have launched 2 Intel Science and Technology Centers, inviting researchers to submit new ideas.  Aside from this, Intel is also willing to dole out $300 million, seeing laptop-tablet hybrid’s bright future.

On the other hand, Intel Corporation’s competitor, AMD has finally named their new CEO, Rory P. Read, after how many months of searching since the resignation of former CEO Dirk Meyer last January.   With the arrival of Read, they hope to be able to fast track in moving forward with planning and execution of the chip road map and cope up with their competitor, Intel.  Cisco, too, is looking to the future of connected devices, unveiling its goals around a smaller router that can be used in ATMs, cash registers or vending machines.

As Intel continues to invest and compete, they are now also taking the battle to the school grounds.  With global companies jostling for Kenya’s advantageous education sector by unveiling programs promoting technology in classrooms, multinational companies such as Microsoft, Google and Intel are now making their own strategic position, waiting for the full swing of the local education sector.

Seems like everywhere you go, the world calls for the aid of technology.  Opportunities have risen exponentially for all technology based companies as they have become a major player in the success of every business.