HP has joined hands with Google for introducing SMB IT in a Box.
HP says this is the first phase of HP SMB IT in a Box.
HP SMB IT in a Box will be offered through HP’s broad network of reseller partners.
The initial launch will be in the United States in July followed by broader availability worldwide by the end of the year.
Part of launching SMB IT in a Box, HP formally joined the Google Apps Reseller program.
HP SMB IT in a Box will leverage existing HP hardware, including PCs and printers, with Google Apps for Business, Google’s cloud-based communication and collaboration tools.
HP will also utilize the rapidly growing Google solutions. At present, more than 5 million businesses run on Google Apps for Business, which includes Gmail, IM, Calendar, Drive, Docs and more.
Last month, Google India slashed the price of Google Apps for businesses. New and existing customers in India will now pay Rs 150 per user per month if they are on the flexible plan and Rs 1,500 per user per year on the annual plan – a 45 percent reduction on the previous price.
HP SMB IT in a Box can simplify customers’ IT environment and help reduce their operating costs and infrastructure requirements while improving their workflows and workforce productivity.
HP already offers a number of products based on Google’s Android and Chrome operating systems including the HP SlateBook x2, HP Slate7 and the HP Chromebook.
Ron Coughlin, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer PCs and Solutions, HP, said: “Together with HP’s channel partners, we will offer our customers an incredible bundle of PCs, printers and Google Apps for Business, enabling business owners to focus on their customers instead of worrying about IT.”
At present, HP SMB IT in a Box combines HP’s PCs, printers, management console, administration and customer support with the productivity, collaboration tools and security of Google Apps.
HP SMB IT in a Box will continue to grow to encompass all the technologies SMBs need to win in the marketplace. Eventually, the solution will include integrated consoles for resellers, IT administrators and end users, allowing easy access to the entire solution, including Google Apps for Business.
“By moving to the cloud and helping employees work the way they live, SMBs can serve their customers better—and save money in the process,” said Amit Singh, president, Google Enterprise.
