Net package aims to ease SME online problems

Internet Problem areas to be addressed.

Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, ISP easynet and distributor PSL have joined forces to launch the NetConnect program, an internet package that resellers can sell off-the-shelf to the small-to-medium enterprise market.

The system will use Microsoft office small business server as the basis of the system to offer full internet and intranet setup in one package.

The first system in the NetConnect program will be for five to 25 clients and cost between six and 10 thousand pounds.

The final high-end corporate system will be available by the end of year and will be bundled with ISDN.

Ilana Ron, European internet business development manager at Hewlett Packard, said: 'This is in response to dealers that are faced with a complex set of products to sell. This way they have one product package with one point of reference.'

She added that research had isolated about eight problem areas that were encountered by businesses when trying to get their operations online.

To deal with these problems, eight systems would appear by the end of the year. This first system deals with the initial problem of connectivity.

The other areas dealt with will be Web creation, Web content, Web security, collaboration and commerce. Two further areas are under discussion.

Roy Howitt, UK sales manager of easynet, said: 'This range of systems directly addresses the needs of small to medium-sized businesses with everything they need for the internet - ready to run out of the box. It allows resellers to focus on their core activity, adding value through the sales of applications, installation and support.'