HP India Moves in the Right Direction

Slew of next generation computing product launches, set to catapult the IT major towards the zenith of today’s personal computing space

Global IT superpower HP has surely moved in the right direction. The latest product announcements are in line with what the market needs and consumers demand. It is also a big embrace towards what experts are calling as the next generation of computing devices and technologies.

This is set to have a two pronged effect on its India operations, firstly the company will catapult itself towards competing with some of the leading convergence driven brands and secondly the channel partners and System integrators will now have a reinstated trust towards the brand HP in India.

As the global IT major Hewlett-Packard India has just launched a series of Touch-enabled Notebook, Two-in-ones and All-in-one PC for the Indian market, it is likely to further establish its supremacy in the personal computing space. This is also set to push the company towards another notch ahead on the next generation personal computing front.

The products launched by HP are aimed at offering affordable touch technology, multi operating system (OS) options among others targeting consumers who are looking for products that offer them a seamless integration in the office, home as well as on the move scenario. The products launched for the consumer market include notebooks, two-in-one devices, ultrabook and all-in-one PCs.

As today’s customers demand more and more extreme mobility and performance in their computing devices, they are looking towards accessing and creating content on the go. This is what next generation level of computing is directed to deliver, the anytime and anywhere device. HP recent device announcement is surely a move in this direction.

In an exclusive interview to Kalpana Singhal on 17^th July, Ranjivjit Singh, Marketing Director, PPSG, HP India said “HP has uniquely positioned itself by taking an advantage of trend and change in consumer requirements while launching hybrid devices that will provide users the desired mobility, flexibility and functionality.”

In terms of vendor share, HP claimed the top spot with a 22.5% market share in Q1 2013. According to Manish Yadav, Market Analyst, IDC India, “In addition to their success in the consumer business, HP picked up key wins and witnessed the execution of large deals in Government and BFSI verticals in Q1. Most importantly, the vendor picked up the special deal on laptops in the state of UP, which cemented its position for the top spot”. Acer and Dell tied up for the second place with a share of 13.8% in Q1 2013.

On asking about what value is HP set to bring to the table in current scenario Ranjivjit said “Innovation, coupled with consumer trends is the key value that HP brings to the table. As consumer is evolving, today they demand multi operating system options and new form factors.”

Now the biggest question arises, what kind of channel Partners HP will work closely for pushing these devices? “HP is working with four type of channels that is Multi brand stores, Large format retailers Ecommerce and HP World (exclusive stores). The product ranges available in different stores geographically will be in accordance to the size of the store and kind of footfall it is receiving.” said Raj Kumar Rishi, consumer Business Head, HP India.

On being asked why channel partners should work with HP, Rishi replied, “HP is a channel oriented organization. We keep channel policies transparent. HP does channel forum and has also got partner advisory program. Apart from this HP provides ROI to its partners by selling out for them. Even if the absolute profit of the partner is not high they attain high growth with low cost of operation while selling more without holding the inventory.”

Hence, the channel partners and System integrators are now expected to have a reinstated trust towards the brand HP for Personal computing too in India.