Chip maker Intel will take Project Darpan to some other non-English markets soon.

This project, currently available in English and five Indian languages, is aimed to offer user-friendly PC interfaces, giving them quick access to a variety of sites and services.

“You know, you cannot tell elders each time how to access Net or a service over the Web. Darpan has been designed to address this issue,” Mr Suryanarayana B, Director (Sales and Marketing – South) of Intel Technology India, said.

The service is currently available in Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati and Tamil and Intel is planning to expand this to other languages.

“This is first-of-its-kind initiative by us. We have developed this concept in India to help people access computers and Internet. We have plans to replicate this in other markets that have similar issues,” he said.

SMB Express

Intel has roped in about 200 small and medium businesses through its partner companies for its SMB Express programme. This programme is aimed at understanding their specific IT needs and offer relevant IT packages. In Andhra Pradesh, it tied up with Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry to reach out to their member businesses.

“They (SMBs) are a bit confused as to what software solution suite is best suited for them. They hear to different sets of vendors on different packages that leave them confused. Our effort is to address this issue and provide the right package through our partners,” he said.

“After connecting with about 200 firms in the pilot stage, we are planning to scale up the initiative,” he said.

Intel is also organising Computer and Internet melas in Andhra Pradesh to strengthen IT ecosystem, spreading computer awareness. “The target is to reach 1.50 lakh people through retail experience with our partners,” he said.

> kurmanath@thehindu.co.in

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