Hewlett-Packard taps Net potential as it offers consumers on-line trading

US computer giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) plans to sell products to Hong Kong customers directly through the Internet.

The company said its new business model - which also would see its partners take orders on-line - would reduce delivery times to SAR customers from three weeks to under 10 days.

The plan is part of a move aimed at speeding up product turnaround times and cutting costs.

Other US computer firms such as Compaq have turned more to direct sales from relying on distributors following the success of leading direct seller Dell Computer.

HP's partners will use the company's private corporate network to take orders from customers on-line 24 hours a day.

HP is also launching two on-line stores - in Singapore and Australia - with a Hong Kong site expected to follow within the next 12 months.

By supplying on-line orders, HP will be able to keep inventory at low levels, a key factor in Dell's success.