CAIRO: In a bid to increase access to computers and the Internet, Intel Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Social Fund for Development Wednesday. The agreement will see delivery of cost-effective Arabic technology to several of the country's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). "We are confident that we can accelerate IT adoption in Egypt. This MoU is a key element for capitalizing long-term development and boosting the country's economic growth, said Paul Otellini, Intel's president and CEO, in his first visit to the Arab world. As per the MoU, Intel will provide several SMEs with solutions based on Intel's latest technology, Internet services, after-sales support structure, and a mini-enterprise resource planning software that will help manage all aspects of business operations. "Intel is one of our strongest partners and is keen on bringing communication and IT services to the Egyptian community, said Tarek Kamel, minister of communications and information technology. "Intel has also expressed interest in co-investing with Egyptian ventures in developing IT infrastructure and installing a WiMax base station. And very soon Egypt will host Intel's facility at Smart Village. Intel also signed another MoU with Egypt's Information Technology Institute and four Egyptian universities to establish research labs, training and certification programs for developing software using computing multi-core technology. "From Intel's perspective, it all starts with education, Otellini explained. "Education builds future knowledge, a solid base for a country's economy. Intel will fully fund these projects by donating some equipment and computers as well as capitalizing human resources and investing in intellectual capital to elicit the right skills into the country's labor force. Determined to place Egypt ahead in terms of IT innovation, Intel has been collaborating with local as well as international organizations to bring Egyptians more computers, connectivity, services, and content customized for their local needs. Among its achievements, Intel created a wireless high-speed Internet network for residents in one of Egypt's villages to access vast resources of medical, educational, and governmental services. Intel also launched its Learn program in Egypt to teach technological literacy to young school students.
