Hewlett-Packard Hong Kong has formed an alliance with 19 locally based independent software vendors to assist development of mobile wireless solutions over its iPaq personal digital assistant (PDA).
Alliance members will be offered hardware prototypes and demonstration units at discounted prices for testing and research, and have premier access to beta products and support from HP's technical teams.
The vendors, once they launch new iPaq-based solutions, can join marketing events with HP. As well, they can use HP's distributors and retailers in Hong Kong as sales channels.
For example, companies might receive prototypes of the new generation of the Pocket PC before they are introduced on the market. They would then receive technical and marketing support from HP and co-launch the products at the same time.
Most of the alliance firms have developed iPaq-based solutions in areas of geographical information systems, field support, insurance and finance services, mobile applications and retailing.
Alvin Cheung, HP's manager for small and medium-sized businesses and the alliance programme, said: 'Since our merger [with Compaq] in May, there has been no announcement in this direction. We want to use this opportunity to reinforce our direction and show we are backed up by many local solution developers.'
The company hoped it could increase sales of its Pocket PC-based device.