Giants unite to offer mobile package

HP, Microsoft and Vodafone push Outlook Anywhere through the channel

In a bid to encourage SMEs to invest in mobile computing, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Microsoft and Vodafone have teamed up to offer a tailored package through the channel.

The package, known as Outlook Anywhere, offers firms remote access to email, the internet and personal information management.

It consists of a Bluetooth-enabled iPAQ pocket PC and Sony Ericsson T68I mobile, plus Microsoft Mobile Information Server software running on the HP Proliant server range.

IT supplier Hugh Symons Group is acting as distributor for the package and is co-ordinating the necessary training and certification that resellers must have to join.

Resellers also will be provided with lead referrals and other sales tools.

The package is aimed at firms with between 10 and 500 staff, and gives remote and mobile workers access to the same information in or outside the office, via a secure layer added to Vodafone's GPRS network.

David Smith, small-business director at HP, said: "The model is very similar to the way people buy satellite TV; customers sign up and the service is installed and delivered.

"This partnership has allowed us to aggregate the components required, such as hardware, software and the network, and deliver this through our channel partners."

Hugh Roper, managing director of Hugh Symons, said: "The systems are pre-configured for use in a customer environment.

"All we require partners to undertake is a short sales and education course on mobile computing and a one-day technical course."

Graham Bromham, sales director at HP Centre of Excellence Solsis, has been involved in the scheme since its pilot stage.

"It is simply a question of making sure we find the right audience for the package," he said.

"Although the technology isn't new, this is a brand-new way of packaging it, and it helps firms unravel what has in the past been a complex puzzle."