Intel to take on Infosys, to set up software business

After IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Accenture and Capgemini, it is the turn of semiconductor giant Intel to seek a chip of India’s information technology industry.

Intel Corp US has sought permission to start a ‘computer consultancy service’ and ‘software supply service’, according to its application made with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board.
Intel spokespersons could not be reached for comment.

Industry experts expect Intel’s approach to be different from the normal software services stuff of application development, business process outsourcing and infrastructure maintenance.

“Intel’s chipsets are becoming more and more versatile which will force them to have capabilities to offer support on those. In the process, it can be an annuity revenue source for Intel. For instance, in January Intel will be launching a chipset that will have built-in anti theft mechanism. Right now, these capabilities are available but outside the chipset. So they will have to have the capability to monitor the performance and offer support in terms of tracking the internet protocol, or IP, address through GPS systems,” said the CEO of a stock exchange listed information technology firm who requested he not be named.

Intel already has a software and solutions group that manages various software related initiatives like the chipmaker’s Appup programme which develops and manages applications for mobile phone users.