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PC Express and Intel Philippines Team Up to Launch iCafe Solutions Center

Intel PH country manager Ricky Banaag, Intel PH business manager Valerie Lu, PC Express president and CEO Oliver Ng and PC Express VP for marketing and operations JesseTan

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s leading local PC retail company PC Express and world leader in computing innovation Intel Philippines recently launched the PC Express iCafe Solutions Center, a 20-seater internet cafe showroom that offers in-house seminars, demonstrations and workshops for both aspiring and existing internet café owners. Executives from both companies will be on-site to host a series of free seminars throughout the year to discuss the impact of new technology on the internet café industry.

The partnership will combine Intel’s leadership in microprocessor and computing technology with PC Express’ expertise in and commitment to the IT retailing industry to deliver the complete, seamless and satisfying computing experience necessary for internet café patrons to accomplish their different tasks.

Whether it’s for gaming, surfing, or creating and uploading files, there is an unrelenting need for a hub where access to computers and to internet connection are readily available. Following the boom of online gaming in the early 2000s, entrepreneurs were quick to open shop in various locations to address the then-evolving Philippine internet café phenomenon.

However, due to the lack of product and industry information, a common misconception among aspiring internet café owners is that the business is easy to get into and manage. With the sheer number of internet cafés in the country, there is a tendency for internet café owners to sacrifice product quality to gain faster return on investment.

Intel's Ricky Banaag, RK Franchise Consultancy Founder Rudolf Kotik, Intel's Valerie Yu, PC Express' Jesse Tan and PC Express' Oliver Ng

According to PC Express VP for marketing and operations Jesse Tan, product quality should never be compromised on the premise that cheaper products are cost-efficient and will generate more profit. “Contrary to popular belief, technology upgrades actually translate to more savings and profit. New technology, such as faster processing, faster media transcoding, and lower power consumption, meets café owners’ need for computers that will maximize their technological investments,” he said.

“Knowledge about the industry helps internet café owners prepare for these business challenges and uncertainties. This is precisely what the PC Express iCafe Solutions Center aims to accomplish with its in-house seminars and showroom – to teach internet café owners how to start-up and maintain their own facilities, and, through Intel’s participation, to educate them on the latest technologies that directly affect the business.”

Moreover, the integration of the Intel Easy Steps module into the workshops and seminars is a good opportunity for participants to learn basic computer and technical skills. Through a series of lessons, Intel Easy Steps will impart knowledge on the essential software applications and web-based programs necessary to jumpstart a small business.

“PC Express and Intel Philippines continue to innovate and work together towards a shared vision of bringing computing closer to the Filipino community,” said Intel Philippines country manager Ricky Banaag. “As one of our top partners, PC Express is paving the way for customers to experience our latest technologies.”

PC Express is now offering a complete solutions package including free consultation, evaluation and workshops for aspiring and existing internet café owners at the PC Express iCafe Solutions Center. PC Express is also offering construction and branding, as well as in-house micro-financing.

The PC Express iCafe Solutions Center is located at the PC Express shop, 2nd floor Liberty Center, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. For more information on the PC Express iCafe Solutions Center, please contact the PC Express Shaw branch at 718-3939 or 718-3838.