HP, IBM Lines Focus on SMBs

Major oems Hewlett-Packard Co. and IBM are offering upgraded systems, software and services targeted at the increasingly coveted small- and midsize-business customers.

HP this week will roll out the second round of offerings in its Smart Office campaign targeting SMBs. The products are part of a $750 million development effort announced in the fall.

At the heart of Smart Office are so-called Infrastructure Solutions that the Palo Alto, Calif., company will provide in conjunction with VAR partners. The hardware, software and installation packages will address four key business issues—file and print, communications and collaboration, document management, and business continuity—officials said.

The products will also include new printers with document management capabilities, the new NX 5000 laptop with a bigger screen, the low-priced DX 2000 MicroTower desktop PC and Serial ATA additions to HP’s Modular Smart Array line of clustered storage devices. The product blitz also will include the ProLiant ML110, which is designed to give SMBs server functionality for the cost of a desktop computer. It is priced at $499.

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