Intel Launches AI Software Package to Empower SMBs

IT giant Intel recently introduced a new software package to help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) take advantage of AI to improve their operations.

The AI PC SMB App Pack is a suite of software designed to enhance productivity, security, and manageability for SMBs through AI-powered applications. This software suite is bundled with Intel-powered PCs globally and are handpicked applications that Intel believes are most critical and beneficial for using AI, allowing SMBs to take advantage of the technology and continue growing their businesses.

The pack includes tools such as: Generate by Iterate.AI for private, on-device AI processing; Laplink PC Mover Business to simplify PC migrations; and CrowdStrike Falcon Go for AI-assisted cybersecurity. The offering is part of Intel’s AI PC Acceleration Program, which involved Intel teaming up with over 100 independent software vendors to bring real-world AI solutions to SMBs. 

Each of these applications was chosen with SMBs in mind and offer benefits critical in using AI. Falcon Go was chosen as a cybersecurity application that takes full advantage of AI and prevents cybersecurity attacks before they occur for an SMB. Generate is a GenAI application that allows SMBs to run AI completely locally on their AI PCs, so they’re not dependent on the internet or sending out private data to feed into a model they don’t own.

Lastly, Laplink PC Mover is an application that allows SMBs to migrate everything from data to bookmarks and everything in between from one device to another. It will be offered for free for one year with the Intel AI PC.

“AI, as you know, is a huge new trend that is going to transform how we work and how we do business,” said Ozlem Coday, general manager of client channel, ecosystem, and graphics at Intel, in a conversation with Channel Insider. “For SMBs, it’s important for them to take advantage of this new innovative technology so that they can continue to grow their businesses. What we’ve done at Intel is handpicked software that we think is the most critical for SMBs and most beneficial in using AI.”

Intel’s vision for the AI PC App Pack

This first-of-its-kind offering by Intel is helping make AI more accessible to businesses who might need the extra hand in bringing AI into their organizations.

“We really see AI as a tool that’s going to benefit a lot of different use cases and a lot of different industries,” Coday said. “You could be in healthcare, education, financial services, manufacturing, or retail. Really, whatever industry you’re operating in, they’re all going to benefit from AI and what we’re able to do with AI PCs is allow any kind of user to participate and use these tools.”

Among the key benefits for this app pack is that it arrives just in time for the Windows 10 end of service next year. This is a good time for companies to start determining how to update their hardware so they can move to Windows 11 and can use all of these new tools.

Other benefits include:

• Security and privacy when utilizing these tools
• Increase productivity and efficiency through AI
• Ease of use, with little planning or training required to utilize the applications
• Democratizes AI, making the technology more accessible and affordable for SMBs

Future plans for the AI Acceleration Program

It’s been about one year since the launch of the AI Acceleration Program and Intel plans to continue its work in engaging more software companies to participate. Further, the program will continue to enrich offerings, addressing specific use cases and improving efficiency, privacy, and latency.

The hardware and software company aims to ship 40 million AI PCs by the end of the year, with 20 million already shipped.

“Through programs like this, we really make it more accessible, more easy to use, and more reachable to all users and all use cases,” said Coday. “We can remove barriers, like security concerns, cost concerns, and being able to move your data securely. It’s all about helping SMBs and channel partners move along with these new innovations.”

In addition to shipping out AI PCs by the millions, Intel is also working on its second generation of AI PCs, which was announced recently.

“As new versions of this hardware come, we’ll continue to add and enrich our offerings, different applications, different use cases, and continue to improve efficiency, privacy, and latency,” Coday said. “We’re also constantly adding more language models, which means more capability to do specific things that the users need.”

For channel partners, Coday recommends joining the Intel Partner Alliance (IPA) to unlock these opportunities and have access to other business-building opportunities. Coday also recommends to SMBs that it’s time to get on the migration train because the new Windows OS is coming.

“AI PCs are there and we’ve got great software to make the migration easy for them. They can use AI safely and locally through these apps we’re offering. So get on the train so that you stay in the game and stay competitive.”

As cyber threats increase in frequency and scope, take a look at how SMBs can protect their enterprises through security service providers.