HP set to release NETConnect in face of criticism

Hewlett Packard is facing criticism over the next phase of its NETConnect program, as resellers fear it is targeting the wrong market.

The second in HP's series of off-the-shelf internet packages sold through the channel - which is due to be released this week - will be aimed at medium to larger businesses. NETConnect was originally launched for the SME market in March (PC Dealer, 11 March).

However, resellers have expressed doubts. Andy Travers, MD of Integrated Options, said: 'It's good if it targets SMEs lacking technological resource.

But I'd be very surprised if it was applicable to larger customers.'

Gary Kinzett, First Stop business development manager, commented: 'The larger the company, the more selective its product mixes.'

This development was the second of at least four NETConnect packages to be released this year. Ilana Ron, HP European internet business development manager, said: 'It will make it easier for resellers to sell these products.'

But resellers argued that the small business server part of the scheme was ideal for smaller resellers, but that this latest phase was not useful as it will not increase their margin.

Ian Strachan, sales manager at Reliance Computer Services, added: 'Resellers like to make packages themselves, from what they know, with companies they are used to dealing with.'

Helen Twelvetree, Compaq enterprise product manager, indicated HP's type of bundle was the way forward, but warned: 'We've found that customers don't want to be pushed in only one direction but prefer a choice of ISPs.'