Partner Network, Affordable HP Solutions Extend Local Support, Expertise and Value to SMB Market
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2003-- HP (NYSE: HPQ) today launched new technology offerings -- including a partnering network, notebook PCs, entry-level servers and a portfolio of packaged services -- to provide small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) the service, support and solutions necessary to meet real business needs.
These offerings build on HP's introduction last month of its
expanded portfolio of imaging and printing products and services
designed especially for small businesses.
"The SMB market is vitally important to HP," said Robyn West, vice
president of SMB marketing and sales, HP Personal Systems Group. "Our
announcement today is yet another example of how HP is delivering more
of what business customers need to thrive: more reliability, more
service and support, more local expertise -- all at a competitive
price. That's why HP is the company to watch and the company to do
business with in the small and medium business market."
Partner Network Delivers Local Support, Customized Solutions
Recognizing that SMBs depend heavily on local technology solution
providers, HP is enhancing its partnerONE program to include new
benefits designed to help local providers be more effective and
profitable. PartnerONE members with SMB practices can choose to join
the partnerONE SMB network, currently in the United States, to receive
a variety of focused and valuable tools, benefits and support to help
them deliver HP solutions to their customers.
"Creation of the partnerONE SMB Network is another example of HP's
trust in solution providers to deliver customized customer solutions
and local expertise," said Kevin Gilroy, Americas vice president and
general manager, HP Commercial Channels.
New Products for the SMB Market
HP is introducing new products designed specifically for the SMB
market, including its HP Compaq nx9010 notebook PC, which is available
from HP and through local solution providers. With an estimated U.S.
street price starting at $1,549,(1) the notebook delivers performance,
reliability and practicality -- all at a competitive price.
The notebook offers optional 54g wireless technology and provides
higher data transfer speeds over longer distances than other wireless
LAN technologies, enabling mobile users to significantly enhance their
productivity from work or while on the go. This next-generation
wireless technology also is more secure, supporting various security
features, including 128-bit WEP (wired equivalent privacy) encryption.
In addition, HP is unveiling the industry-standard HP Server
tc2120 and HP ProLiant ML300 server series, providing small business
customers with affordable and reliable storage and management software
in entry-level models. These servers have an estimated U.S. street
price starting at $549(1) and are designed to manage files, share
printers, host a Web site or host a database.
To ensure strong back-office support, HP and its solution
providers deliver entry-level storage solutions suited for emerging
enterprise applications using small data centers and remote office
locations.
HP Packaged Services, Leasing Keep SMBs Running
According to a report published in CIO Magazine,(2) 42 percent of
companies that experience unplanned downtime, lose approximately
$1,000 per hour while experiencing downtime. Twenty-six percent of
companies lose approximately $10,000 per hour of downtime. Unplanned
downtime can be expensive for companies of any size -- particularly
SMBs, which HP defines as companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.
HP's portfolio of packaged services -- HP Care Pack -- provides
the support SMB customers require and goes beyond basic hardware and
software warranties. HP Care Pack services are designed to help
protect small business customers from unexpected downtime, which can
reduce their productivity and profitability. From warranties to
mission-critical levels, these services can be purchased directly from
HP or through authorized HP solution providers at the time of product
sale and can be renewed upon expiration of the original term.
To increase business continuity, HP Financial Services -- the
world's second largest IT finance company -- offers leasing options to
help small businesses use their capital investment dollars and
resources to grow. Leasing also protects against IT obsolescence and
end-of-life technology equipment costs and concerns.
Recent Venture Provides Contracting Opportunities for SMBs
HP further extended its presence in the SMB market by partnering
with the Small Business Administration and U.S. Chamber of Commerce in
January to launch the Business Matchmaking Program. Expected to give
small businesses a chance to win billions of dollars in contracts,
this groundbreaking program brings together small businesses with
government agencies and private companies in face-to-face appointments
regarding specific business opportunities.
"Industry-leading initiatives such as the Business Matchmaking
Program demonstrate our commitment to the SMB market," said West.
"Together with our business partners, we can provide small business
customers with the reliable hardware, expertise, software and support
that differentiates us from other vendors. In short, HP customers 'get
more' for their investment."
For more information about HP's products, services, solutions and
programs, or to find a local reseller or integrated solution provider
for small and medium business, please visit
http://www.hp.com/go/smb.
About HP
HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies,
solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's
offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access
devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its
acquisition of Compaq Computer Corporation on May 3, 2002. More
information about HP is available at
http://www.hp.com.
Note to Editors: For additional information regarding HP's imaging
and printing solutions for SMBs, see the April 2 press release titled,
"HP Announces Innovative New Products and Services for Small and
Medium-sized Businesses,"
(
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/030402a.html). For
additional information on entry-level servers, see the March 17 HP
release titled, "HP Sets Sights on SMB Customers with New Low-cost
Server," (
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/030317b.html).
For additional information on the new HP Compaq nx9000 series
notebooks, see today's HP release titled, "HP Delivers Reliable,
Affordable Wireless Notebook to Mobile Small and Medium Business
Customers."
(1) Actual prices may vary.
(2) CIO Magazine, "Trend Lines," published June 15, 2000,
http://www.cio.com/archive/061500/tl_downtime.html.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than
statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed
forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions
include the possibility that the market for the sale of certain
products and services may not develop as expected; that development
and performance of these products and services may not proceed as
planned; and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's
Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited
to HP's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January
31, 2003, and subsequently filed reports. If any of these risks or
uncertainties materializes or any of these assumptions proves
incorrect, HP's results could differ materially from HP's expectations
in these statements. HP assumes no obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: HP James Barnes, 281/514-6990 Email Contact Elizabeth Gillan, 281/518-1786 Email Contact