HP offers Just Right IT for small firms

HP has launched an IT portfolio aimed at the small business market, promising full networked server performance at a knock down price.

The Just Right IT package includes a ProLiant MicroServer system running a dual-core 1.3GHz Athlon processor with up to 8GB of memory and 8TB of storage.

Web-enabled printers, a range of three PCs and updated management and storage systems are also included.

"While small to mid-size businesses remain cautious about the economy, they continue to look for ways to simplify operations and prepare for growth," said Anil Miglani, senior vice president at strategy consulting firm AMI Partners.

"HP, with the help of its channel partners, offers an expanded technology portfolio with realistic financing options that enable SMBs to manage data expansion, improve employee productivity and retain, as well as attract, clients."

HP has a strong position in the small business sphere and is beating off competition from Dell and others, according to Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

"HP is very much focused on the sector," he told V3.co.uk. "It has the technology and has long been a major player in the market."

King explained that HP had a traditionally strong footprint in the retail sphere for the smallest of businesses, but had also cultivated the channel market for SMB sales.

Dell, on the other hand, had relied on the direct sales route and had got IT buyers who could specify what they wanted. But this is less effective for smaller companies operating without the luxury of a dedicated IT department.

John Fruehe, director of product marketing for server and workstation products at AMD, welcomed the inclusion of an AMD-powered system.

"Small businesses demand reliability because many, perhaps most, don't have a dedicated IT person. If they have a problem it can mean calling in an expensive consultant to resolve the situation," he said in a blog post.

"The HP ProLiant MicroServer is designed for small businesses operating on a tight budget and watching where every dollar goes. And if these small businesses are going to buy a server, it needs to be affordable."