HP expands business

Recently in Shanghai, Hewlett-Packard's Image and Printing Group has added to its Print 2.0 strategy with the roll-out of 25 printing products and solutions, the company's largest single offering to date, says Sify.

Comprising printers, software and Web-based resources, this slew of offerings is aimed at SMEs and Sohos.

"These products will enable our SME customers to have a level playing field against larger-sized competitors by improving their marketing effectiveness, increase productivity and reduce costs involved in their printing needs," says Herbert Koeck, HP VP of commercial printing for Asia-Pacific.

SAP has introduced a paid referral programme for partners in a bid to boost its prospects in the SME space that is crucial to its long-term future, states My Customer.

Warren Wilson of Ovum says: "Perhaps inevitably as the two major ERP vendors vie for SME business, the lead-referral programmes should pay a double dividend for both. Not only will they bring in new business, they will help vendors connect with partners."

Referral members are rewarded when a deal is closed; in general, a one-time cut of 5% of the deal's net software licence value is paid as a closing reward.

BitDefender plans to release a security software suite for SMEs, says VNUNet.

Security Suite for Business will offer a combination of anti-malware tools and an online backup service.

BitDefender said the new suite does not signal a march on the business market, and that the company has no plans to move beyond the consumer and SME segments any time soon.