Solution providers at D&H Distributing"s fifth annual Digital Convergence Expo criticized Microsoft"s digital home efforts, but praised chip giant Intel for helping drive market adoption in conjunction with VARs. Several attendees said they see Microsoft"s somewhat flaccid response to the digital home opportunity as a potential inhibitor to market growth.
One sign of the difference between Intel and Microsoft: an Intel Viiv session packed with several hundred solution providers. Microsoft had a small booth promoting its XBox 360 game system and ergonomic keyboard. "If you look at what Intel is doing compared to Microsoft, it is two different worlds," said Jimmy Garson, CEO of DataVision, a New York superstore. "Intel really realizes and sees how they are going to drive more PC sales in making the PC the center of the home." By comparison, he said, Microsoft is "doing nothing." Garson said he hopes Intel"s relationship with Apple may help "wake up Microsoft" to provide a more aggressive digital home effort. A representative at Microsoft"s booth would not comment