AMD has announced that it has ended its close relationship with UK system-builder Evesham, which became insolvent earlier this year and was rescued from administration by Dubai-based PCC Technology at the beginning of this month. System-builders of significant size are regularly courted by chip companies like AMD and Intel to keep them loyal to a specific brand; benefits of the courting include briefings on processor technology "road-maps", early glimpses of new microprocessor designs and extensive technical support to develop PCs which can exploit new chip capabilities. System-builders also receive bulk discounts and participate in "co-operative marketing programmes" such as the Intel Inside campaign.
The new Evesham, run by ex-Time/Tiny owner Tahir Moshan, will no longer enjoy these benefits, and will have to source processors from AMD distributors. The two companies refused to comment directly, but did issue prepared statements on the matter. In its statement, AMD said, "AMD can confirm that it is no longer working with Evesham but will not disclose information regarding individual business engagements with its partners. AMD remains committed to supporting the UK channel." Evesham has stated: "All AMD are saying is they are not going to be working with us direct - we will still buy AMD processors through distribution. It is not going to cause any supply issues to our customers."