Intel Corp. has announced its new Intel Modular Server building blocks, a solution designed to be a low-cost and flexible business option for Intel partners dealing with the small-to-medium business (SMB) space.
The Intel Modular Server is built on Intel Multi-Flex Technology, which enables easy use, lower total cost of ownership and provides flexibility. The new Modular Server building blocks also allows Intel system builders to integrate computing, networking and storage capabilities all into a single system for SMBs.
Steve Dallman, vice-president of sales and marketing at Intel and general manager of the vendor’s worldwide reseller channel organization, said Intel’s channel community plays a vital role in its overall go-to-market strategy.
“The channel for Intel is important,” Dallman said. “Our channel is large. We have over 190,000 members in our program today, in 165 countries. The channel gives us a broad reach in the market and helps speed the transition to new technologies.”
According to research firm Access Markets International Partners there will be 700,000 new SMBs adopting servers for the first time this year. Dallman says in today’s competitive industry, small businesses need enterprise-like solutions to stay in the game. This, he says, is where the real opportunity lies for Intel’s channel community.
“I think the launch of this new product will grow the overall market because it’s so easy to implement and install,” Dallman said. “Also because of its affordability, there are a lot of unfulfilled opportunities out there (in the SMB space). We’re counting on double-digit growth next year.”
The Intel Modular Server building blocks are now being shipped through Intel’s distribution channel, including Avnet Canada and Synnex Canada. Essentially, the solution is as a business-in-a-box for SMBs, able to support up to six Server Compute Modules and up to 14 storage drives.
It includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that lets users control and manage the system remotely. David Brown, general manager of channel server products group at Intel, says with the Virtual Presence GUI Management interface, users can be at home logged into the system and can still manage the Modular Server.
“This system can also operate in a rack or pedestal form” Brown said. “So you have the flexibility to do either and this allows the channel to be able to participate where other key players are in the market as well.”
Joe Toste, vice-president of sales and marketing at Minneapolis, Minn.-based Equus Computer Systems, a whitebox system builder and an Intel OEM, says he sees tremendous value in being able to offer Intel’s new Module Server to the SMB space.
“We sell to solution providers, ISVs and OEMs who deliver complete solutions to the SMB market,” Toste said. “Customers are excited about this because they’re looking for a differentiated product. They also want a simple and easy-to-use solution. Lastly, they want to make money. Because of its modularity, there’s more margin opportunity for them.”
Toste says where partners can add the most value is by offering up sell options such as additional storage and consultancy services alongside with the solution.