HP takes wraps off new solutions for SMBs

HP has announced a selection of technologies and programmes designed to help smaller businesses grow and compete more effectively with bigger players.

Part of HP's efforts include 40 new training centres to expand the HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) programne. This programme has benefited from investments totaling $20 million thus far and has created 20,000 jobs in 6,500 new businesses since its inception in 2007, according to HP.

The company now plans to inject a further $4 million into the project.

"Organisations from 12 countries will each receive a grant of state-of-the art HP technology, financial contribution and professional support valued at approximately $60,000. The grant includes a professional train-the-trainer course and access to the HP LIFE network as well as innovative online and offline training tools," said HP spokeswoman Elisa Greene in a blog post.

"HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) is a global training program that trains entrepreneurs and small businesses owners to develop essential IT and business skills to grow their businesses... The programme is committed to enabling microenterprises, small and mid-size businesses, (SMBs) to create new revenue streams, promoting growth and opportunities in their local communities."

A range of other solutions focused on data storage, networking and collaboration were also announced by the company, with the aim of giving smaller businesses "optimised performance at a lower cost, simplified deployment of services and reduced management costs."

This new tech comprises a number of entry-level servers and switches optimised for rack deployment, including the ProLiant ML110 G7 and the ProLiant DL120 G7 servers, as well as the V1810-48G and V1410 switches.

One other area that will no doubt prove attractive to small businesses is the HP Business Risk Mitigation (BRM) service. This has the potential to reduce backup and recovery times by 90 and 87 per cent respectively, according to the tech giant.