Each of these outlets will have a demo system in the shop where customers can come and experience the new chip's advantages: swift 3-D graphic capabilities; speech synthesis; how it enables the user to collaborate with colleagues from different parts of the world; how it combines the benefits of multimedia with Internet without taking slowing down the system.

Earlier, opting for a bit of local colour in its teaser campaign, Intel had invited end-users to Mumbai's Famous Studio on February 26. Here, Intel, in association with its channel partners, created the ambience of a huge Internet Studio with four zones: Surf, Create,Communicate and Play.The idea was to let the end-user experience the better Internet capabilities of the new processor, in each of these zones. In the evening, on that day, the event showcased Shah Rukh Khan opening the Blue Door -- symbolic of a gateway to a new Internet experience--through the power of a Pentium III micorprocessor.

Intel then showcased the event--as a preview to the launch -- to the public for the next two days. Managed by Euro RSCG in association with ShowBiz, the event had Intel displaying more than 40 Pentium III systems. The roadshow moves to Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai.

Vendor support: Over 100 vendors have announced Pentium-III compatible systems. Besides, 200 software vendors are working on optimised solutions on Pentium III to provide multiple applications for the enduser. With this product, Intel's strategy of targeting the customer's customer will become more intense as it seeks to focus on the application area of the Internet. ``Lots of applications are being planned. We'llhave enough software to be able to to position the benefits to the enduser,'' says Singh.

Replacement strategy: Following its segmentation strategy in 1998 -- to create a specific design for each segment and provide the product in multiple segments at the same time -- Intel's latest offering of 450 and 500 MHz versions of Pentium III is targetted at the high end of the mainstream segment. Priced at $496, the Intel III 450 MHz processor is priced six per cent higher than Pentium II but has a performance boost of 20 per cent. In a year's time, Intel aims at occupying the entire space, currently owned by Pentium II with 350 amd 450 MHz. This segment constitutes about 50 per cent of 1.5 million PC market in India. ``As websites get optimised, as more Pentium III capabilities get used by website developers, it'll become imperative for the the home user to buy this technology to enable those benefits,'' says Singh.