HP sees its money grow online

Hewlett Packard is planning to launch its E Finance scheme in several European countries within six months, after piloting the online approach in Spain and the US.

E Finance is an internet-based-system that allows resellers to offer Hewlett Packard financing on IT products and services to small and medium businesses.

It uses encryption technology to make it easier for resellers or leasing companies to offer customers the whole financing package, from proposal to payments.

Hewlett Packard claimed US resellers have reported the system makes leasing simpler and means they get paid sooner.

The manufacturer claimed E Finance is aimed at customers looking for terms on products and services worth between $2,000 and $150,000.

Craig White, general manager of Hewlett Packard's technology finance unit, said: 'Hewlett Packard E Finance reduces the hand-offs required between the reseller and the lessor. We see it as a critical investment in our ongoing development of our channel relationships.'

Commenting on the finance initiative, one dealer said: 'This should make our lives a lot easier because we will be able to get hold of details quicker than before.'