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As the world moves further into the digital age, AI and advanced computing power are becoming essential across every industry. Intel’s latest innovation, the Lunar Lake processors launched at the Logicom booth at the recently concluded GITEX Global 2024, represents a groundbreaking leap in AI-driven solutions, pushing forward their vision of ‘AI Everywhere’. With the support of their long-standing partner, Logicom, Intel is set to revolutionise the computing landscape in the EMEA and GCC regions, offering transformative possibilities for developers, businesses, gamers and government entities alike.
In this interview, we speak to Taha Khalifa, CCG Enterprise and Government sales director for EMEA and GCC country manager at Intel, and Michael Papaeracleous, executive director of Distribution at Logicom, to explore how Intel’s Lunar Lake processors are pushing boundaries in AI integration, sustainability, and performance.
We also delve into the strategic partnership between Intel and Logicom, exploring how this alliance is set to deliver advanced technology and accelerate digital transformation across various sectors in the region.
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Intel’s Taha Khalifa on the Lunar Lake processors’ advanced capabilities and how they can support enterprises, developers and gamers.
Intel’s Lunar Lake processors are generating a lot of buzz. Could you give us an overview of the key advancements and innovations we can expect from this next-gen processor?
We’re excited about Lunar Lake because it represents a major leap forward in both performance and AI capabilities, marking Intel’s push towards ‘AI Everywhere’. One of the key advancements is the integration of Intel’s third-generation NPU (neural processing unit), which brings AI directly to the desktop. This allows for AI-driven applications to run efficiently on PCs, not just in data centres or the cloud. Additionally, Lunar Lake supports cutting-edge features like DDR5 memory and the latest Wi-Fi technology, ensuring faster connectivity and better overall performance. This makes it a powerful solution not only for gamers and content creators but for a wide range of professional and everyday computing tasks.
How do the advancements in AI capabilities with Lunar Lake align with Intel’s broader vision for the future of computing and AI-driven solutions?
Our vision is centred around ‘AI Everywhere’, which means making AI accessible across all platforms, from the cloud to the edge. Lunar Lake is a perfect example of this, as it brings AI right to the desktop, enabling users to run AI-intensive applications directly on their devices without needing to rely on external data centres. Whether it’s healthcare applications using computer vision or content creators leveraging AI tools for more efficient workflows, Lunar Lake makes AI more tangible and useful for everyday computing. We’re focused on building open platforms and working closely with software partners to create ecosystems that allow AI to drive real-world benefits for users.
Intel has made significant strides in energy efficiency and performance. How do these processors address the growing demand for sustainability in computing?
Sustainability is a core priority for Intel, and Lunar Lake reflects our commitment to delivering high performance with lower power consumption. The integration of the NPU allows for AI tasks to be offloaded to a specialized processing unit, which not only boosts performance but also optimises energy usage. This results in a more sustainable computing experience, especially for businesses and data centres that rely on high computational power but also need to minimise their carbon footprint. Lunar Lake processors are designed to provide best-in-class performance while helping reduce energy consumption, contributing to greener computing solutions.
How does Intel plan to support developers, gamers, and enterprises to fully leverage the capabilities of the Lunar Lake processors post-launch?
Post-launch, we are committed to building a strong ecosystem around Lunar Lake by collaborating closely with developers, ISVs (Independent Software Vendors), and hardware manufacturers. We’re working with over 100 ISVs to ensure their applications are optimised for AI workloads on our processors. For developers, Intel provides tools, libraries, and frameworks to fully exploit the AI acceleration built into Lunar Lake. Gamers will benefit from AI-enhanced experiences, such as more immersive graphics and faster processing, while enterprises will find Lunar Lake’s AI-driven efficiency invaluable for workloads like data analytics and machine learning.
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Logicom’s Michael Papaeracleous shares insights into the partnership with Intel and the potential of Lunar Lake processors.
Logicom is partnering exclusively with Intel for the launch of Lunar Lake processors in the EMEA and GCC regions. What excites you most about this partnership and the potential it brings?
Our 25-year partnership with Intel has always been about driving innovation, and the launch of Lunar Lake processors is no different. What excites us most is the AI revolution that Lunar Lake is poised to bring to this region. The ability to integrate AI into everyday computing will enable businesses to unlock new efficiencies and capabilities.
As a leading distributor in the GCC and EMEA, we’re thrilled to bring this next-generation technology to our markets, empowering our partners and customers with cutting-edge tools to accelerate their digital transformation.
As a key distributor and partner in the region, how does Logicom plan to position Lunar Lake processors within the local markets and customer segments?
We plan to position Lunar Lake as the cornerstone for AI-driven solutions. Logicom’s strategy includes a series of roadshows and marketing initiatives across the Gulf, collaborating with key partners such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo to showcase the processors’ capabilities.
We’re targeting a broad range of sectors, from SMBs to large enterprises and government accounts, emphasising the productivity gains and AI capabilities that Lunar Lake can deliver. By leveraging our extensive partner network, we’ll ensure this new technology reaches all market segments effectively.
What do you see as the biggest advantage of Lunar Lake for your enterprise clients and government accounts in the EMEA and GCC regions?
The biggest advantage Lunar Lake brings to our enterprise clients and government accounts is its AI-driven productivity. Lunar Lake enables these organisations to do more with their existing investments in AI, delivering powerful processing for AI workloads directly on devices. This leads to enhanced efficiency, faster decision-making, and a significant boost in overall performance. For government clients, the processors offer scalable, secure solutions that can support national AI strategies and ambitious digital transformation projects.
