Intel envisions cheap computing

By Leon Engelbrecht for Intel
Johannesburg, 09 May 2007

If Intel SA public sector director Sam Mensah is right, the era of cheap personal computing is here.

The global chip-maker's World Ahead programme, that targets the 'next billion' computer users, is dependent on cheap computing, particularly notebooks. "Making affordable computers for people in the emerging market is a viable business model," he says.

The trick is how to do so profitably or at least in a manner that is sustainable, says Mensah, who believes there is a fortune to be made at the "bottom of the pyramid".

"We take this seriously," he says. "We are doing what we can to bring costs down.

"I have a good appreciation of how important it is to put affordable devices in the hands of the people. Our work doesn't stop there, then we need to provide affordable access, hence our investment in WiMax and then training and content," he recently said.

Regarding the latter, he mentions SKOOOL, a global Intel-sponsored maths and science programme. This is currently being adapted for SA in terms of curriculum and culture. "So, that's a work in progress," he says. MTN is sponsoring SKOOOL's localisation and will also pay for the hosting of the content and the broadband required so it can be freely accessed.

Mensah sees the public sector, especially education, as the initial main market for cheap computers. However, he warns: "Getting projects like this off the ground will require significant resources, as well as willpower on the part of government...Where adoption has succeeded, it has required significant will at the executive level. African governments need to make the same commitment."

In the EMEA region, he says Egypt and Turkey have "both made huge strides", with Libya recently joining them in terms of investment in edu-tech. Meanwhile, talks are underway in SA, he says.