HP to launch PC-as-service in second half of 2014

Following the success of pay-per use software, computer maker Hewlett-Packard is all set to revolutionise the computing devices market by bringing in PC-as-a-service model in the second half of this year.

The service, expected to target large enterprises, will help companies save upfront costs on PC infrastructure like PCs, softwares, etc.

“It will be pretty unique from the Indian perspective.  But we need to have critical mass, so we will probably start with companies with more than 1,000 employees.

“Companies will not have to make huge upfront payments for getting the devices and also not worry about refresh cycles,” HP India VP and GM (Printing and Personal Systems) Rajiv Srivastava told PTI.

He added that the company is still working out the final details of the service.

Enterprises spend about 2 per cent of their revenues on IT, of which 60 per cent is accounted for devices like computers.

“The percentage is smaller for India, around 1.5 per cent. That is the reason, I believe there is immense potential in the market here,” Srivastava said.

The pay per use model, where the user pays on the basis of usage, has been gaining traction globally as companies look to optimise operational costs.

The US-based firm today launched a slew of devices including tablets, all-in-ones and printers for the enterprise segment.

The printers, priced Rs 12,000 onwards, have features like wireless printing from smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices including near-field communications (NFC).

It has also launched a two-in-one notebook, two business tablets, an all-in-one (AiO) PC and a business desktop PC.

“These new devices give employees the ability to quickly address the demands of both work and life with style, while businesses get the security and manageability required for all types of working environments,” he said.

Additionally, HP also unveiled its first thin client with quad-core processors and fan-less design as well as a new DreamColor display monitor.