World leading chip maker Intel announced on Thursday the establishment of an "Intel platform application innovation ally" with 22 Chinese high-tech companies.

According to the agreement, the Chinese IT companies will, under the support of Intel, develop and produce in batches new digital products designed for life and office.

The Chinese high-tech companies include ten personal computer makers and 12 independent software suppliers.

Intel promises to provide technological supports and consultation services for the ally members in terms of the market survey and products design.

Dan Russell, vice president of Intel sales and market affairs department, said China is an important market in Intel's global marketing scheme.

Intel is willing to establish the cooperative partnership with the Chinese IT companies and help them raise their industrial values through self-innovation, he said.

Yet China's largest PC maker Lenovo does not appear on the list of the ally and the seniors of Intel's China Region did not explain more about this, but saying that the ally is always open to all IT companies in China.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2006)