HP Expands HP Access Program

Technology giant Hewlett-Packard announced updates to and expanded availability of HP Access, its small to medium-size business assistance program. Part of the HP Total Care program, HP Access provides customers with discounts, free software and services, offers, and training tailored to fit the needs of SMBs.

HP Access members are also now eligible to receive a $50-$200 rebate on select server, storage and software products purchased between July 1 and Oct. 31, 2009.

Previously offered at a list price of $49, HP Access is now free with the purchase of any HP product. Businesses wanting to participate simply request an access code and they will receive an e-mail from HP with the information and a link to the HP Access Website. New customers, as well as those who purchased an HP product in the last 12 months, can take advantage of offers on the site. On the newly revamped Website, small business owners can find information on topics such as greening a business and improving productivity.

"It's a tough time for any small business right now, and everyone is looking for ways to save money while continuing to grow their business," said HP's vice president of marketing for the personal systems group, Americas, Fred Bullock. "By combining HP's strengths with those of select partners, we are pleased to make it simple for our customers to save money immediately on things that can benefit their businesses."

HP Access allows businesses to take advantage of more than $1,000 worth of offers and discounts, including a 30-day free trial of HP Secure Remote Access, and delivers Windows applications to users anywhere on any device. With XenApp Fundamentals, a business can store applications and files on a central server and deliver them to users via an Internet connection.

Also included is one free license for Symantec's Software Virtualization Solution (SVS). By placing applications and data into managed units called Virtual Software Packages, SVS allows a business to quickly activate, deactivate or reset applications, to eliminate application conflicts, and to remove them without altering the base Windows installation. The offer includes six months of Symantec basic maintenance and other exclusive rebates.

Rounding out the new HP Access package is a free press release distributed through PR Web, valued at $80, and a free Intuit credit card processing kit, which also includes a free software download from QuickBooks and QuickBooks Merchant Services for PCs that automatically enters transactions into the accounting software.

HP also announced on July 1 the company is refreshing the 2009 Trade-In and Save program. In addition to getting the HP Access benefits, businesses will receive up to $1,000 cash back when purchasing a qualifying HP printer and trading in an old printer. Free recycling and shipping of the old printer are included.

HP also has expanded the program for its channel partners, allowing them to pass along benefits to their customers. For customers purchasing products from a channel partner, the e-mail containing the access code will come from the partner.