HP opens Elite ISV club

HP has launched a program that assists indigenous independent software vendors (ISVs) crack markets overseas.

Under the program, dubbed the Elite ISV Club, HP will provide fund marketing, technical and business planning support to a select group of ISVs, looking to break into Asian markets.

These companies also have access to HP's developers and product managers across Asia.

Gareth Sutton, ISV business development manager at HP said the program will be restricted to 10 local ISVs. The five that have already been selected include IBA Health, Infomaster, iSheriff, TechnologyOne and Tier-3.

“Ten will provide us with focus anything more than ten will significantly reduce our ability to focus on the ISV’s individually,” he said.

These organisations were chosen because of their history, development of applications based on HP’s Integrity server platform, their potential for future expansion, and their strength in growth markets such as the health sector or security services, said Sutton.

“We are looking at helping another three ISV develop their products to integrate with our server products - with another two places yet to be allocated.

“We aren’t just picking ISVs randomly and are very selective in who we choose to join the elite program.”

The Elite ISV club program has been initiated across the Asia Pacific region, with each country selecting its own members to join the program.

Russell Shooter, director, commercial accounts, HP Australia, said the program fits in with HP’s push into vertical markets.

“It is a start in helping to identify and grow micro-verticals, like education, local government, utility, banking, resources, and with more to come.

“The ISVs aren’t restricted to developing products for these micro-verticals, however we will help to take them into these sectors,” he said.

Richley Down (pictured), operating officer at Technology One said HP's Elite club is a marketing initiative to work with partners in different verticals.

"HP wanted local companies with a good history of success. It allows us to benchmark our software on HP hardware to take to market as a sales tool," he said.

"The vendor will also take us to new clients locally and introduce us to the Asian marketplace. We already have an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and HP will further assist us in attracting customers in that region."