HP targets small businesses

Computer and printer maker Hewlett Packard remains hopeful about its sales prospects in the Philippines despite the global economic downturn, as it shifts its attention to small- and medium-sized businesses in need of printing solutions.

The company introduced last week its low-cost printing solutions to other emerging markets in Asia, after successfully launching them in the Philippines two years ago.

Jenny Sotto-Siquico, country general manager of HP?s imaging and printing group in the Philippines, said HP is launching in other Asian markets a printing solution first tested in the Philippines that offers just a third of the cost of other printing technologies in the market.

The Deskjet Ink Advantage F735 All-in-One gives customers three times the prints for just half the price of other products, she said.

Siquico said HP Deskjet Ink Advantage was launched in the Philippines two years ago, and will now be made available in other Asian countries.

As of September 2008, HP sold 331,500 HP Deskject Ink Advantage units in the Philippines.

Danny Ang, emerging markets manager of HP in Asia Pacific, said that with HP Deskjet Ink Advantage, customers pay much less when purchasing replacement ink cartridges.

The product allows printing 250 pages in color for only $9 or 600 pages in black for the same price.

Jerry Dy, consumer market development manager in HP Philippines, said small offices, home offices, and micro businesses represent a large and fast growing business segment in the country.

?We know that lowering operational costs is a real concern that they face in a tough economic environment. Since the Philippines is an inkjet-driven market, we believe that this innovative print solution will benefit this specific segment,? Dy said. ? Roderick T. dela Cruz