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What is new in Advantech’s
Embedded Computing Group?
On the technology
side, Advantech is moving from x86-based platforms to include
x86 & RISC Architecture solutions and support. Of course,
Advantech still offers a strong x86 solution line; however, RISC
embedded solutions realize significant gains in power savings
and portability, which allow our customers to expand their range
of solution offerings. This fosters support for innovation, vertical
market development and increased revenues.
RISC platforms
also tie in well with Advantech’s Design to Order Service
(DTOS) and Customize to Order Service (CTOS). Once again, moving
from a standard product offering to more customized support, RISC
platforms require closer design cooperation with application developers,
instead of the “one size fits all” functionality of
x86 platforms. This requires better development and design support.
Services like DTOS allow Advantech to better serve customers developing
solutions that capitalize on the RISC platform advantages.
Advantech’s
Role of Design Partner in Europe
Advantech
has found many European customers prefer to work with a local
design house for product development. This local support is usually
highly capable in software and design and offers the benefits
of close proximity and a common language. However, these local
design houses normally only handle small volumes and offer limited
economies of scale manufacturing benefits. If a successful solution
is adopted on a larger scale, which most customers would like,
this local support cannot offer the production volume and cost
advantages needed to support the requirements of the larger project.
Advantech
is answering these needs by teaming up with customers and their
design house. This win-win-win relationship offers many benefits
to our customers. The first is that the customer’s design
house immediately becomes more capable. If a customer’s
project makes a breakthrough and needs larger production volumes,
Advantech’s Kunshan manufacturing center in China can provide
large volume production runs, allowing for lower costs and utilizing
supply chain relationships. Advantech engineers can work together
with design houses for product redesigns as well as knowledge
sharing. Customers can also benefit by expanding their solutions
to other markets utilizing Advantech’s global service and
support. For example, Advantech can provide redesign engineering,
a cost effective, high volume production run at our Kunshan manufacturing
center, and then also provide Japan-based service and support
through our Japanese RBU.
Better
Channel Partner Service and Support
Advantech
has reorganized our Pan European channel support to provide better
communications and services. Advantech now has a dedicated Premier
Key Account Manager that handles one account across multiple countries,
greatly streamlining this sales channel. At the local Channel
Partner level, each account also has a dedicated channel manager,
which improves service to distributors as well. Advantech is expanding
our knowledge database to include more localized content and specific
vertical market information that can help Partners compete more
effectively. Advantech is helping Partners with promotional campaigns
and events with services like the Embedded Solution Day, which
includes ready to use marketing and promotional material, sharing
of development and advertising costs, and more resources such
as guest speakers from leading suppliers like Microsoft and Intel.
Improving
Capability
Advantech
is the largest among our direct competitors with design and manufacturing
capability in China. With this ability and investment in our Kunshan
manufacturing and design center, Advantech feels we are strategically
well positioned to offer customers an unparalleled combination
of engineering, manufacturing and global service.
Look for our
new RISC platforms and services, specialized vertical market solutions
such as SOHO security internet gateways, and medical industry
specific panel computer solutions. Also, be sure to ask what Advantech
is doing to be the number one embedded solution provider to our
customers.
Find
Out More Today
To find out
more about how Advantech RISC solutions can benefit you, please
call your local Advantech sales office, or visit our website at
http://www.advantech.com.tw/risc |
