Intel commits $1bn for emerging markets

Intel Corporation will invest more than $1 billion over the
next five years in a broad new program to speed access to technology and
education for people in the world's developing communities. The Intel World
Ahead Program, which extends the company's existing initiatives for developing
regions, integrates Intel's efforts to enhance lives by driving progress in
three areas - accessibility, connectivity and education.

The five-year objectives of the World Ahead Program are to
extend broadband PC access to the world's next billion users while training 10
million more teachers on the use of technology in education and with the
possibility of reaching another one billion students.

Small and sturdy: Intel's small notebook PC design for students, code-named 'Eduwise,' is the result of ethnographic research to provide an affordable and collaborative learning environment specifically for teachers and young students in developing communities.

"Decades of providing technology in growing volume and
at decreasing costs have driven great gains for developing nations, communities
and people worldwide, but there is still much to do," said Paul Otellini,
President and CEO, Intel. "While affordability of PCs is crucial, the World
Ahead Program goes beyond simple cost to develop the right systems tailored to
local needs, drive critical connectivity, cultivate sustainable local
capabilities and provide the quality education needed to make a meaningful
difference in people's lives."

The World Ahead Program integrates Intel's efforts to
accelerate the progress of its various initiatives. For example, in its Discover
the PC initiative that develops full-featured, low-cost PC technology tailored
for people in developing regions, the company now plans to develop six more
geographically tailored PC designs worldwide in the next two years, following
the introduction of Intel-powered Community PC in India.

Intel is also continuing its efforts to grow the availability
of WiMax technology for low-cost broadband access. By combining the individual
efforts in accessibility, connectivity and education, Intel also aims to create
more opportunities to make fully featured PCs and high-speed Internet access
available to schools in developing nations, along with training for teachers on
how to integrate the technology into their teaching.

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