HP, Microsoft Reward Cross-Selling VARs

A limited time promotion, the companies are offering incentives to VARs which sell certain product combinations that include hardware from HP and software from Microsoft.

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Resellers will be entered into a drawing each time they combine two or more pre-selected HP and Microsoft product solutions in a single sale. In addition to receiving HP and Microsoft product incentives, resellers that register in the Top 10 percent of qualifying sales under the program can submit a plan for why one of their small business customers should win a "$15,000 HP and Microsoft Dream Office Technology Makeover."

HP said the program, announced May 2, is intended to provide small business customers with more complete IT solutions. HP also said the program builds on the existing Microsoft and HP channel Frontline Partnership program.

HP Smart Buy product solutions included in the "Bring IT Together" program include the HP dx2300 Compaq Business Desktop with Windows Vista Business; the HP iPAQ rx5910 Travel Companion with Windows Mobile; and the HP ProLiant ML115 Server with Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 pre-installed or as a Reseller Option Kit. Additional qualifying products will be added throughout the program, HP said in a statement.

Participating resellers are also eligible for an additional entry by selling an HP media-less activation key for 2007 Microsoft Office. By pre-loading Microsoft software solutions, HP has simplified the sales process and placed its reseller partners in a more cost-competitive position.

HP is also enabling its distributor partners to participate in the "Bring IT Together" program by offering them incentives too. For example, the distributor with the most reseller registrations at the close of the promotion period wins two all-expenses paid trips for two to an unnamed tropical destination.