Ingram Micro to launch HP build-to-order

Distributor Ingram Micro has launched a service that lets resellers build-to-order HP PCs and notebooks online.

The new portal - dubbed TopConfig - is accessible through Ingram Micro's TechLink reseller website.

“The portal is a service for HP and Ingram’s resellers. Our partners on behalf of the end user - through the portal - will be able to configure a customer’s computer or build one on their specification,” said Craig Hardman, HP product manager at Ingram Micro.

He said partners will be able to configure, or build a HP commercial PC and notebook product.

“Through the portal resellers will be able to order products online retrieve information about their account,” he said.

“When they do order products it will go off to HP, who will then build it and ship it either to the reseller or directly to the customer.”

Currently TopConfig portal is in the Beta testing stage, but HP and Ingram Micro hope to roll it out in May 2006.

“Last month 150 resellers responded to a banner ad we had about TopConfig and they will be the first ones to try it out,” said Hardman.

According to Hardman, this portal will diversify Ingram's business. “We will still move lots of PC, but logistically this portal will help expand our business,” he said.

HP couldn’t be reached for a comment.