HP, Google Offer ‘IT in a Box’ for SMBs

HP has announced that it has partnered with Google to launch a new product aimed at small businesses. HP resellers will sell HP hardware bundled with Google Apps under the name “IT in a Box.” Some analysts say this is another sign that HP is distancing itself from its traditional software partner—Microsoft.

All Things D’s Arik Hesseldahl reported, “Tech giants Hewlett-Packard and Google just announced a plan in which they will join forces under the banner of Google Apps. HP has become a Google Apps reseller and will package management tools with its PCs, printers and other IT gear. One extra thing that HP brings to the table is some management software that will simplify setup.”

ZDNet’s Liam Tung noted, “HP already has its Android hybrid SlateBook x2 and Slate tablet, as well as its own Pavillion Chromebook, so potential customers can choose either its Windows 8 devices or those aligned with Google’s OSes. IT in a Box will combine technologies across printing and PCs that fall under the Printing and Personal Systems Group it merged last year.”

The Register quoted HP CEO Meg Whitman who said, “We’re combining HP’s PCs, workstations, printers and servers to Google Apps for business. This breakthrough – it isn’t a one-off. We’re going to look for ways to partner with like-minded tech companies.”

CRN’s Joseph F. Kovar observed, “Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) on Tuesday said it is preparing to bundle its small business PCs and printers with Google (NSDQ:GOOG) Apps for Business, a move that signals a continuation of a growing rift between HP and one of its key technology partners, Microsoft. Just as important, the new offering, called HP SMB IT in a Box, is a strong sign of the growing need for HP to embrace the cloud and for Google to find a way into the business world.”