HP on Top Config form

Programme aims to grab a bigger share of the SME market

Hewlett Packard (HP) officially launched its Top Config programme last week to grab a bigger share of the SME market.

Top Config will initially run with three distributors: Ideal, Westcoast and Ingram Micro. Resellers can configure a PC via the distributors' web sites, and HP then ships the PC directly to the reseller or end-user.

Andy Vickers, channel and SMB director at HP, said the vendor plans to add other distributors in September.

"The customer gets an A-branded product from a trusted partner which can then add on services and consultancy.

Top Config also saves distributors from having to hold inventory, and it simplifies the supply chain," he said.

Andy Dow, commercial director at Westcoast, said: "Top Config gives resellers the flexibility to deliver exactly what customers need. It is a more cost-effective way of getting product to the end user."

Loay Lawrence, HP business manager at Ideal, said the scheme will cut at least one delivery charge from the transaction.