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Semiconductor industry

Intel Unveils Network Appliance for Small Businesses

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Intel Corporation has introduced a new network appliance designed for small businesses, enabling them to easily network their offices and take advantage of the growing e-Business trend. The Intel(R) InBusiness(TM) Small Office Network provides broadband, office resource sharing, and remote management functionality. According to Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel's Internet Management and Appliance Division, this solution addresses the rapidly growing trend of small businesses connecting to the Internet and adopting broadband for high-speed performance. The appliance is an affordable and easy-to-install way for small businesses to network their offices and participate in the Internet economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Intel InBusiness Small Office Network is a network appliance designed for small businesses with less than 25 employees.
  • The closed-box, multifunction appliances provide user-friendly tools, installation, trouble-free maintenance, and management.
  • The performance version offers data mirroring capabilities, a faster processor, and DSL or ISDN capabilities.
  • The DSL version of the Intel InBusiness Small Office Network offers a second network adapter for external DSL modem connectivity.
  • The Intel InBusiness Small Office Network incorporates Microsoft Corporation's Windows for Express Networks operating system.
  • The remote, Web-based tools enable service providers to assist customers with remote support, management, and product health monitoring via an Internet connection.
  • The Appliance Monitor feature can automatically send product health e-mail updates to a service provider according to individual company preferences.
  • The product is available for $1,499 and $2,149 (U.S. suggested list) for the performance and DSL versions, respectively.

Statistics:

  • IDC forecasts that U.S. small business DSL lines will increase from 60,000 in 1999 to 2.5 million in 2003.
  • The Intel InBusiness Small Office Network is priced affordably for small businesses, with versions starting at $1,499.
  • The payback period for small businesses to implement the Intel InBusiness Small Office Network is expected to be short due to increased productivity and cost savings.

Sources:

  • "U.S. Small Business DSL Services Market Assessment and Forecast, 1998-2003," October 1999 (IDC)
  • Intel Corporation website (www.intel.com/pressroom)

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