Siraj’s optimism for the country and its technological developments were contagious at the Intel 2010 highlights review held in Karachi on Thursday. He explained that the company takes a long-term look at the computing landscape and the countries it invests in. “We do not focus on short-term returns like most other companies.”
Interestingly, Intel’s stake in a more developed and IT-rich Pakistan may not be as far-fetched as it seems from a business point of view, say analysts. “It is all about a very large country which has the potential to mimic India’s IT developments and resources,” said one industry observer. The company can easily afford to wait for five to ten years for domestic processor demand to multiply.
Intel, as a global technology and business leader, believes that it is uniquely positioned to help drive environmental sustainability and improve education. Quoting a World Bank study, Siraj pointed out that every broadband user contributed positively to the gross domestic product (GDP) of his country.
“We hope to reflect some of what we do globally in Pakistan,” said Siraj, explaining that analysts had predicted that 2011 would see higher IT budgets across the board, including Pakistan.
The presentation went on to highlight Intel’s year, including the much-talked-about McAfee acquisition. It also disclosed details of its new processors aimed at newer form factors of computing such as tablet computers, smartphones and ultrathin laptops.
Interestingly, while discussing the import of used computers, Siraj said that the processors these machines relied on not only consumed more energy but were not meant for software currently available in the market.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 31st, 2010.
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