Lines Among ISP, ASP, VAR Blurring Says Intel AP Exec

Lines Among ISP, ASP, VAR Blurring Says Intel AP Exec

By Lesley Moore, Newsbytes.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA,
18 Oct 1999, 11:44 PM CST

Lines Among ISP, ASP, VAR Blurring Says Intel AP Exec 10/18/99 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 1999 OCT 18 (NB) -- By Lesley Moore, Newsbytes. Internet service providers (ISPs), application service providers (ASPs) and value-added resellers (VARs) are evolving into one-stop shops for a full spectrum of Internet services instead of providing just access, according to Intel Asia Pacific ISP channels marketing manager Loke Yoon Kun.

Speaking at the Malaysia launch of the chip giant's worldwide program to push its networking offerings, he said, "The lines among ISPS, ASPs and VARs are blurring. The new one-stop-shop role calls for value added services and products such as Web hosting and creation, e- commerce and specific networking equipment sited on customer's premises."

Intel's program will be aimed at providing ISPs, ASPs and VARs a variety of building blocks and equipment to enhance their Internet offerings. These include technology for local and wide area network connectivity and virtual private networks, and Pentium III processor-based server solutions to assist them maximize up time of their customers.

Intel is also offering a dedicated ISP Website at http://ww.intel.com/isp with public and private content; communication, sales and marketing tools; training and product demonstration programs; and financial services such as equipment leasing.

"ISPs are becoming an important influence force between Internet technology and small and medium-sized businesses, " said Loke but qualified that they are like finger prints: "No two are alike. Each has different equipment and service needs. Under this program, the customer can choose the right level of integration and proper suppliers and channels."

Intel has already signed on about 50 of over 1,500 ISPs and their resellers in the Asia-Pacific region.

In Malaysia it is hoping to sign on between 20 and 25 such providers of Internet-based solutions by the first quarter of 2000.

So far it has roped in six local companies: telco Maxis Communications Sdn Bhd, direct PC reseller GO2020 Sdn Bhd, Smart Global Network Sdn Bhd which runs VAR PutraNet, content developer BRG Interactive Digital Media Sdn Bhd, multimedia solutions provider The Media Shoppe Sdn Bhd, and Swiftcom Sdn Bhd which operates Internet service Nasionet.

On the absence of Malaysia's two major ISPs, Jaring and TMnet, from the list, Loke said negotiations were still on-going and they were expected to sign on soon.

Reported By Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com

23:44 CST

(19991018/WIRES ASIA, ONLINE/)