HP rewards New Zealand's Internet savvy customers

New Zealand, 25 July, 2000 - Hewlett-Packard has launched a new online store to meet the needs of increasingly Internet savvy customers in New Zealand.

Managing director of HP New Zealand, Barry Hastings, said HP Online had been designed to provide customers with a convenient and flexible way to find and buy HP products.

"Our customers are demanding that HP be accessible on the Internet for information and business. HP Online offers those customers the option of dealing with us over the Internet," he said.

Hastings said HP Online would be of immediate benefit to the small office home office (SOHO) market and small to medium business owner.

"Time is crucial for most small to medium businesses and people running an office from home. HP Online is a quick and cost effective way for them to get information and support or purchase IT products," he said.

"These users are Internet savvy and feel confident and comfortable buying over the Internet. And they are not just limited to buying online, they can also purchase products over the phone.

"Its important to note that HP Online will not replace HP's channel network. Rather, it will complement the existing relationship we have with our reseller channel.

In August, HP Online will incorporate a reseller locator function to help customers find their nearest HP dealer.

"We recognise that many of our customers want to deal directly with someone face-to-face and our channel partners are essential in providing this service. HP Online is simply offering our customers an additional service to meet their changing needs," he said.

"The IT market demands HP to be competitive in all routes to market, including online. It needs to be easy for customers to buy HP products and a strong presence on the Internet is key to this.

"The Internet as a tool for commerce, especially in the small business market, is something that will continue to grow in the coming years and we want to be part of that growth.

"Globally HP wants to lead the way as a provider of computing services, with a focus on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses through simple appliances, useful e-services and Internet technology," he said.

HP online will provide customers with a full electronic catalogue and ordering system for all their computing needs - from PCs, to printers, scanners, digital cameras and supplies. HP Online can be reached at http://www.buyhp.co.nz. About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses through simple appliances, useful e-services and an Internet infrastructure that's always on.

HP has 86,000 employees worldwide and had total revenue from continuing operations of $US 42.4 billion in its 1999 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

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