Network operator AT&T and computer maker Lenovo announced the bundling of AT&T Tech Support 360 with select Lenovo PCs, in an effort to reach out to small to medium-size businesses (SMBs). These businesses can purchase Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 and T400 laptops and ThinkCentre A58 small form factor desktops, the first devices to be bundled with AT&T Tech Support 360, and save up to $200 through February 2010.
AT&T Tech Support 360 provides 24/7 online IT support, including assistance with wireless network setup, software installation and training, setup of security software and configuration of peripherals – including PDAs and printers. In addition, AT&T Tech Support 360 technicians can provide training on Windows 7, the latest operating system from Microsoft. Coming after recent announcements regarding AT&T’s expanded offer of Tech Support 360 to midsized businesses and its planned inclusion of Intel vPro technology, this announcement marks the first time that AT&T Tech Support 360 has been bundled with a computer purchase.
“The ability to reliably and knowledgeably use computers and software is becoming increasingly important for small and midsize businesses to remain competitive,” said Ebrahim Keshavarz, vice president of business development for AT&T. “Our goal is to help these businesses take advantage of the latest technology – as well as provide support, training, and troubleshooting for these solutions – so they can focus on growing their business.”
The ThinkPad SL510 carries a starting price of $499 and offers a 15.6-inch screen, Windows 7 Home Premium, and six-cell lithium ion battery. The Elite model, which sports an Intel Core2 Duo processor and 250 GB hard drive, also includes mobile broadband. The T400 laptops range from $739-$1,169 and include features like 2 GB of memory, recordable DVD drives and Intel WiFi Link 5300 with My WiFi technology, and all models are integrated mobile broadband upgradable. The ThinkCentre A58 desktops range from $479-$489 and run Windows 7 Professional and offer Intergraded Enet 10 -1000 Intel G41 capability.
“Think PCs are built for business, and for today’s SMB customer, we’ve equipped our Think PCs with the right blend of blazing-fast performance, valuable multimedia and wireless connectivity features and affordability to fit any budget,” said Stephen DiFranco, vice president of Lenovo North America’s channel partners organization. “Packaging Lenovo PC hardware and services from AT&T into one IT solution helps get businesses up and running quickly and staying productive around the clock.”