The IT industry has begun launching Christmas sales with deals from Intel, Dell and Partners Group topping the list of goodies on offer.

To kick it off, Intel is seeking buyers for its connected home division. The unit has annual sales of about US$450 million and makes semiconductors for wireless connections in home routers and gateways.

Dell is also offering a Chrissie bargain. The computer maker hopes to fetch $1 billion for its RSA Security cybersecurity business. RSA helps companies detect, investigate and respond to security risks, as well as reduce intellectual property theft, fraud and cybercrime.

Partners Group is considering selling UK software provider Civica Group. The company – which provides specialist software, digital systems and outsourcing services for governments and health-care providers, etc. – could fetch at least US$1.9 billion.

Sorry, none of the deals include a set of steak knives.