Intel has re-engineered its Intel Inside program and, as part of that effort, has executed a deal with Google to modernize its channel marketing. According to company documents viewed by CRN, the Intel Inside 2007 program, which goes into effect April 29, represents a "radical change" in the way the Santa Clara, Calif., chip giant goes to market with partners: online. "Radical changes mean new ways to reach customers with less of your time and money," the Intel document said. "Forget about what you knew about Track 2. This is the start of something new." The program is slated to be discussed at the Intel Solutions Summit next week in San Diego.
Intel Inside 2007 gives partners more flexibility in how they spend their marketing development funds (MDFs). For example, Intel will cover all of Track 2 partners" marketing costs and, for the first time, MDFs can be used for online marketing or merchandise from Intel"s new marketing stores. In addition, partners will be able to use MDFs to promote general initiatives such as VPro or Viiv technology, whereas the old program restricted the focus to product ads, according to solution providers.