HP offers free tools to SMBs

HP is expanding its efforts to help small and medium business (SMB) customers.

The company said on Tuesday that it would be opening its Access programme to all customers who purchase an HP system. Access offers a collection of services specifically tailored to small and medium enterprise users.

Once offered as a $49 premium service, Access will now be available by request to users who have purchased HP products in the last 12 months.

Among the products being offered in the Access service are credit card payment tools, press release distribution services and virtualisation software tools. The Access service will also offer members discounts on web design and hosting services as well as a free trial of HP's remote access tools.

Additionally, members will be given access to a special Access web site which offers a series of papers on best practices for management and expansion for small and medium enterprises.

The company hopes that the tool will help SMB's survive and expand amidst the economic crisis.

"It’s a tough time for any small business right now and everyone is looking for ways to save money while continuing to grow their business," said Fred Bullock, vice president of marketing for HP's personal systems group.

"By combining HP’s strengths with those of select partners, we are pleased to make it simple for our customers to save money immediately on things that can benefit their businesses."