Intel to resell SBC access

SBC Communications today announced a channel partner deal with Intel for its business DSL and DS-1 services. Chipmaker Intel will promote and sell SBC’s suite of small and medium business services and access through its networking and PC integration resellers, offering SBC a critical entry point into the IT departments of millions of potential customers.

The deal is similar to an agreement SBC made with Microsoft last year, but goes one step further. Microsoft is cross-promoting SBC business services with its office and business software, not actually reselling the service. Intel, on the other hand, will be able to offer up SBC service as part of its services package.

"This deal is part of our emerging channel program," an SBC spokeswoman said. "We get a significant advantage with these agreements, especially with companies like Intel and Microsoft. Our services compliment their products very well."

The agreement authorizes Intel to sell the business DSL and DS-1 lines in SBC’s 13-state region, including access to SBC Yahoo’s business portal services. Though designed for both small- and mid-sized ventures, the service will focus primarily on the small business market, one of the largest customer segments and one with which SBC has had significant success, the spokeswoman said.

Though SBC has not announced any other channel partners, SBC officials said they would pursue similar agreements to expand its reach.