Friday March 26, 7:30 pm Eastern Time
Intel launches web site to spur interest in latest chip
SAN FRANCISCO, March 26 (Reuters) - Seeking to bolster sales of its flagship
microprocessor aimed at consumers, Intel Corp. on Friday launched a Web site drawing
together other Web sites and software add-ons designed just for the Pentium III.
The site -- aimed at so-called ''early adopters,'' those who want the latest bells and whistles
with their personal computers -- consists of three sections. ''Tech treks,'' Equip Your PC''
and ''Site Seeing."
''The idea is to make this all simpler to understand,'' said Jami Dover, head of marketing for Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel, the
world's largest chipmaker.
In addition to pointing consumers with souped-up PCs to Web sites that are designed to take advantage of the latest multimedia
enhances of the Pentium III, the Intel WebOutfitter site will also offer tools and ''plug-ins,'' smaller pieces of software to help
users get the most out of their PC.
Although some software developers have said that there is not enough software available tailored for the Pentium III to justify
buying a PC running it, Intel has taken pains to start working with software programmers and others much earlier.
When the company launched the Pentium with MMX technology -- which speeds and enhances the playback of audio and
video on a PC -- Intel did not have many applications to tout.
But when it introduced the Pentium III earlier this month, Intel could boast of 245 programs designed for it. ''Someone who has
a Pentium III-based system can go to the Web site and get what they need,'' Dover said.
Dover added that worldwide sales of the Pentium III have been better than the company was initially expecting, noting that by
the end of the year Intel expects the Pentium III will account for the bulk of its microprocessor shipments.
Intel also sells the Celeron chip, designed for lower-cost PCs that typically cost $1,000 and less. Eventually, the Pentium III will
replace the Pentium II.
The site can be found at www.intelweboutfitter.com.
Ian
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