media relations

With the recent introduction of Apples I-Pad, it seems surprising that Intel would announce the debut of their new media platform during the following week. Intel has recently publicized a software merge with Nokia, which will create the MeeGo. MeeGo will be a Linux-based software platform which will be compatible with many different devices, including mobile computers, TVs, netbooks, tablets and smart phones. MeeGo has taken a completely unique look on the traditional operating system. This may become an overwhelming advantage for Intel, putting the MeeGo strides ahead of the IPad’s operating system.

When I first began researching the debut of the MeeGo, I was somewhat confused. I do not pride myself on my ability to understand technological jargon, and as I was reading press releases and articles, I was somewhat confused. However, when I analyze the specific questions surrounding successful media relations, I feel that Intel did a good job in communicating their message to the public. Initially, I look at the target audience for this information. Because this product is an operating system which will be integrated into an overall product for consumers, the target public for the MeeGo information is people who are heavily involved with technology, especially information technology specialists and software engineers. With that being said, I think that Intel did a good job spreading this information. When I searched for MeeGo on google (which is as technologically advanced as I get), I found multiple articles on websites such as “PC World” and “Mobile Enterprise”. These articles are now easily accessible to the target public for the MeeGo.



Aside from the abundance of articles about the MeeGo, Intel provides their followers with up to date information on their website. They have multiple press releases for journalists who may consider writing articles about the MeeGo. There is also an event webcast uploaded, which features the initial press conference about the Intel Nokia software merger. The spokespeople giving the press conference were executives and product managers; both reputable and reliable spokespeople. Additionally, they have been clearly prepared and rehearsed, thereby making them effective at conveying the key messages of MeeGo. Intel also provides press people with an online press kit. There is a downloadable logo, biographies of the CEO’s, background information and a pdf with quotes. I feel that Intel did a great job making this information available to their target public as well as journalists interested in writing a story about this merger. They’ve worked hard to prepare and shape the information that is released. The overwhelming message that I take away from this announcement is that MeeGo is a revolutionary operating system that will make the use of Smartphones and notebooks more efficient. I feel that Intel has done a good job at conveying this message in an understandable way. While someone who is not technologically advanced (such as myself), has a hard time understanding the engineering behind the MeeGo, the overall message is clear. The new operating system is revolutionary and groundbreaking. Intel’s use of media relations has worked well in promoting their announcement of the MeeGo. They prepared their spokespeople effectively. They make information readily available for journalists and have done a great job shaping their information to accurately convey their message. MeeGo has been featured in articles in major news publications which target the Intel audience.

Signing off… Literally,

KDC 123

new media & social media

When it comes to new media and social media, many companies are doing all that they can to use the tools to reach potential and current customers. I assumed that a company as technological as Intel would be one of the most effective users of social media around. They have accounts on twitter and facebook. They also have blogs from Intel executives and a specialized website entitled “scoop at Intel” which is a blog from employees about the innermost workings of the company. The official website for Intel is very interactive. It is simplistic and easy to navigate. There are many links to different areas, each of which caters to a different type of computer user; businesses, gamers and individuals. There are also many different tools and informational sections of the Intel site; including a glossary of their products and definitions for overly technical materials (perfect for the computer illiterate!). Overall, I feel very confident that Intel is covering all the bases when it comes to new and social media.

However, I am somewhat displeased about the quality and promotion of these sites. When navigating the Intel website, it is completely impossible to find links to their blogs and social media sites. The Intel website is advanced and easy to use, yet it took me over 10 minutes of page surfing in order to find the blog section. Even after I got to the blog section, there was no links to facebook or twitter. In order to access these sites, I had to log into my facebook and search for Intel. Unless I was looking for it, I would never have found the facebook. I am not impressed.

Once I reached the Intel facebook, I was enthralled. The page is customized to match the design of the Intel website. There are countless links and quizzes, which makes it fun and keeps customers at the site for hours. Additionally, there are videos to watch; commercials, tutorials and webinars. Perfect material for someone considering purchasing Intel technology! The one thing that Intel is lacking is pictures. There are only two albums, neither of which is exciting. I wish that they would put up albums for new product or albums of their employees or store locations. If they add additional picture albums, I feel confident that the Intel facebook would be great.

Twitter, on the other hand, is ultra confusing for Intel. They do not have one, or even two twitter accounts…. They have three! Far too many; One for the bloggers, one for the inside scoop, and one for updates. Completely unnecessary. I do feel that they do update each account enough- typically one to two updates a day. But having multiple twitter accounts is unnecessary and frankly, unintelligent. A company as technically advanced as Intel, should have the ability to merge the three accounts and make it easier for followers.

My advice for Intel is to publicize their social media sites! They’re making good use of new media, however, if no one can find it, it’s going to waste. I believe there should be links to their twitter accounts (which should be merged…), and facebook accounts on the homepage of their master website. It’s extremely easy to put a small button and link on the main page. I also think there should be links on their “contact us” page. If you’re going to make use of social media, you ought to make sure people are seeing it.

Signing off.... literally,
KDC123

introduction

Welcome to Keeping an Eye on Intel, my public relations blog. I plan to use this blog to, well, keep an eye on the public relations team at Intel. I want to comment on what they're doing right, what they’re doing wrong, and what I feel they can do to improve. It will be broken down to address many different aspects of the organization, including Intel’s use of social media, media relations, community relations, investor relations, corporate crisis and corporate brand.

The reason I have selected Intel for this blog is because I feel they are an industry dominating brand. Take a look down at the keyboard of your PC laptop. Chances are there is an Intel sticker sitting silently to the right of your hand. Intel is an industry leader when it comes to producing the interworking of the product that runs our daily life; our computers. Yet, many people do not know much about the brand. I too am guilty of not understanding more about the company—aside from the fact that they have those witty commercials about computer nerds. I hope to discover what Intel is doing for their consumers, for the public, for their investors and for their employees.

After reading up on Intel from their website , I can see that they produce many technological materials, including motherboards, processors and chipsets (whatever those are!). They also create PC’s, servers and software; everything you need to keep any successful business running. The organization is multinational, spanning as far abroad as Hungry, Hong Kong and New Zealand. It is impossible to ignore the dominance that exists at Intel; they provide essential technology to consumers all over the globe.

From the standpoint of an uneducated observer, Intel seems to have a relatively innocent reputation. Aside from being well known in the computer industry, I have not heard of any significant crisis or issues that spurred from their business. I believe that they are flying somewhat under the radar – well enough known to be recognized by name, yet not acknowledged amongst the midst of catastrophe.

The clever advertising that is used by Intel does a lot to maintain this reputation. Their commercials keep the brand name on the minds of consumers. They are typically relatively memorable and unique, which helps to grab the attention of viewers. In regards to community awareness, Intel seems to have a handle on their community outreach programs and educational foundations. However, I only discovered this after surfing their website, not because it is well publicized.

My biggest challenge for the PR professionals at Intel is to stir up conversation. I admire your ability to breeze by without much controversy; however, I want to see stronger efforts made to get people talking. If you’re doing charitable work, broadcast it! If you’re dealing with a crisis, make the public aware! And if either of the two of those things are occurring, I am eager to find out about them this semester.

Signing off… literally,

KDC123