Microsoft, HP join in SMB initiative

Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd and Hewlett Packard India together plan to roll out a 'Smart Office' initiative to offer organisations integrated IT solutions for the emerging small and medium business community in India.

The desktop and server solutions sold under this new initiative are targetted to specifically suit the needs of small and medium business (SMB) customers in the country by providing them with the tools and resources to enable their businesses to grow and evolve.

Under the initiative the two companies will create "powerful yet easy to use" desktop solutions by pre-loading versions of Microsoft Office on a range of hardware options from Hewlett-Packard.

On the server front, HP will offer its range of servers with Windows Server 2003 and Windows Small Business Server 2003.

HP's extensive channel and service network will also address the after sales support requirements.

Neelam Dhawan, managing director, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd said: "When evaluating a technology solution, SMBs look for three things - a solution that will help address their business need, one that they can easily implement, use and support, and finally is it cost effective in the short and the long term."

H-P and Microsoft have custom developed these desktop and server solutions to specifically suit the needs of their SMB customers.

"The products combine best of breed software and hardware options, are out of the box, require minimal set up and maintenance and come at cost effective prices. H-P's strong after sales service and support network strengthens the value proposition," she added.