HP targets Australian govt as consumer print squeezed

Hewlett-Packard's printer business in the Asia-Pacific is in "negative growth" in the consumer market, with the commercial sector the saviour and the Australian government sector also contributing.

"In the printing business, the commercial sector is definitely growing faster," said Han Kong Leong, VP of printing systems at HP APJ. "We're targeting the finance sector, insurance companies, and even government.

"In Australia, especially, there is a lot of potential in the government sector because acceptance is high for managed [print] services. The government market in other Asia countries is not quite as mature."

Leong spoke to CRN in Mumbai at the launch of HP Officejet Pro 6830 and HP Officejet 7612 Wide Format printers.

"We probably sell about 95 percent through the channel," Leong said.

When asked if printer sales that arose through HP's consulting arm were counted as channel business, Leong said: "I know what you're getting at. I know the pain points for many partners when they're dealing with vendors.

"We make sure we manage any conflict between HP consulting and the channel."

The two new printers are aimed at SMB clientele, and will be available this month throughout the Asia-Pacific. HP did not announce prices at the Mumbai event.

The reporter travelled to Mumbai, India courtesy of Hewlett-Packard.