Intel opens software marketplace for small businesses

Intel has set up an online store called Business Exchange that's meant to help small and midsized business find software applications that runs on the chip maker's hardware.

Unveiled Thursday, Intel's Business Exchange zeroes in on four main product categories: security, storage, telecommunications and business applications. Within each of these categories, users can find information on various products, user-generated feedback and request a quote from vendors, as well as leave their own feedback for others.

The site includes offerings from a range of software companies, such as Microsoft, Salesforce.com, Symantec and Tripwire, among others, and will compete against IBM's Global Applications Marketplace, a similar site also announced Thursday that opens for business later this year.

Business Exchange includes a link to Intel's Software Exchange, an online shop where users can purchase boxed software.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.