HP simplifies business protection for small and mid-sized businesses with new smart office Program

In 2005, SMBs will be increasingly concerned about protecting their assets and ensuring their systems are up and running. Over 2.3 million SMBs in EMEA consider it extremely important or very important to enhance their data security or data backup & disaster recovery plans in 2005¹.

This extensive line-up is designed to help customers protect their businesses from incidents ranging from everyday IT threats to large-scale natural disasters. HP emphasizes three areas in its complete business protection portfolio:

• Data protection -- HP's data protection solutions provide businesses with tools to capture, distribute and protect information automatically and back up and recover data quickly and affordably.

• Security protection -- HP arms SMBs with the tools to fight against increasingly sophisticated security threats. Its "Layers of Security" blueprint is designed to help businesses easily understand how to proactively shield themselves from threats such as viruses, spyware, spam, intrusion and outdated security.

• Business-critical availability -- HP provides products and services that keep business systems running during critical times, such as power outages, floods, hurricanes or other disasters.

Solution bundles address the business protection needs of SMBs

Growing Business Solution - designed for rapidly growing small businesses that require Internet and desktop security. The optional secure wireless LAN add-on² provides wireless connectivity in the office.

Advanced Solution - designed for rapidly growing small businesses which require Internet, desktop security, and also need to easily run multiple business applications. License for ten nodes at purchase, recommended for up to 75 users3
First Server Solution - this is an excellent all-in-one security solution that provides reliability and dependability for the first-time server buyer. The optional secure wireless LAN add-on² provides wireless connectivity in the office.

At a recent roundtable event, highlighting the security issues facing SMBs in the Middle East, Hamid Hassan, SMB Manager, HP Middle East said: "After facing a security breach, IT threat or disaster, the survival of a smaller business often depends on how quickly it can recover. In today's increasingly data-centric business environment, IT preparedness is a major component to getting back to business. In order to protect their organisations, SMBs must confront this reality; HP's new Business Protection portfolio is simplifying that process."

The Business Protection portfolio also includes HP's Smart Desktop Management Service for data protection and security of networked PCs. This first-of-its kind online SMB Security Solution Center will make it easier for small business owners and partners to understand and choose security features to best protect their businesses. There are also easy-to-use storage and server solutions that protect business data and keep it available when an SMB needs it most.

HP Data Protection Helps Keep Customer and Financial Information Safe

Not only must SMBs keep customer, financial and other business critical information safely and securely stored, but government regulations worldwide are increasingly making it a legal requirement. By using an HP Data Protection solution, SMBs are armed to protect their information and recover lost data in the event of crisis.

The newest addition to the Data Protection line-up is the HP Ultrium 448 Tape Drive. This affordable, entry-level tape drive provides quick and easy disaster recovery through HP's exclusive One-Button Disaster Recovery feature for reliable, quick recovery from disaster, large or small. Designed for use with entry-level and mid-range HP ProLiant servers, the Ultrium 448 tape drive is a half-height LTO Ultrium solution with 400 GB of compressed (2:1) capacity.

The new products expand HP's portfolio of Data Protection offerings, which includes backup and storage solutions such as HP OpenView Storage Mirroring Software that performs real-time data replication between servers on a LAN to provide fail-over capabilities and avoid data loss. Also included in the portfolio are select HP digital imaging solutions that help convert paper-based business critical documents into digital information that can easily be accessed, stored and managed.

HP Security Solutions Protect SMBs from Viruses, Spam, Spyware, and Intrusion

Building on the security solutions portfolio first introduced in December 2004, HP and its partners announced two new solutions to the "Layers of Security" approach of protecting businesses from intrusion by viruses, spam, spyware and other malicious attacks.

HP's new Smart Desktop Management Service provides worry-free data protection, security and support of their individual client systems. The service delivers remote data backup and restore capabilities with enhanced security features, hassle-free computer virus protection powered by Symantec for networked desktops and notebooks from HP or any other vendor, automatic Microsoft operating system updates, and ongoing support, featuring an innovative remote services platform and active, real-time assistance to answer questions or support any components of this service. It is sold and delivered by HP or a qualified HP channel partner. Additional information about the service can be found at www.hp.com/hps/carepack.

"The need to secure computers from spyware and complex Internet threats is becoming a top concern for smaller businesses," said Bill Buie, vice president, Global Strategic Partners at Symantec. "The new Smart Desktop Management Service from HP leverages Symantec technology and security expertise to provide the proactive protection that customers now require to properly protect themselves. Symantec is pleased to be partnering with HP to deliver this new service to customers worldwide that will help keep their companies up and running."

HP Business Critical Availability Keeps SMB Business Systems Up and Running

HP solutions providing Business Critical Availability are ideal for customers who require 24x7 data availability or for any SMB who wants to ensure they are back online as quickly as possible in the event of business disruption. HP offers a family of innovative server solutions designed to protect the availability of the systems and applications businesses depend on.

The newly updated HP ProLiant DL380 Packaged Cluster enables two servers to back each other up, keeping data available without intervention even during hardware and software failure or periods of planned server maintenance. The solution can be ordered with one part number, is fully redundant, and comes completely contained for rapid installation.

The HP Integrated Lights-Out Advantage Pack (iLO) is an optional feature on most HP ProLiant servers to provide business critical availability of data remotely. iLO provides industry-leading remote management that is essential for businesses that support remote servers. It provides full remote access and control of server power, system console and system event logs regardless of the state of operation of the server. With iLO, a server support person in one office can install a service pack or firmware update, diagnose problems and change settings on a server in another office. This remote capability reduces diagnosis and repair times and helps diminish the need for costly onsite support.

HP's new Business Protection portfolio of offerings for the Middle East follows an interactive, highlevel, roundtable discussion on the importance of business protection for smaller businesses.