HP Expands Virtual Protection Tool, Desktop Linux Offering For Small Business Customers

PRESS RELEASE

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 10, 2008 - HP today announced the expansion of its virtualized browsing solution across select business desktop products and its plans to introduce Linux as an operating system choice for business desktop customers.

The offerings are designed to help small businesses enhance their productivity and ease their management of technology.

The first-of-its-kind Mozilla Firefox for HP Virtual Solution was developed with Symantec and Mozilla for HP customers. The solution uses the standard release of Mozilla Firefox with a Symantec Software Virtualization Solution layer that allows customers to use the Internet productively while keeping business PCs stable and easier to support. As customers surf the web, changes made to the PC are contained in a "virtual layer," separate from the operating system, and do not permanently alter the machine. Customers can therefore reset the browser as needed, instantly returning the PC to its last-known good state. As customers surf the web, changes made to the PC are contained in a "virtual layer," separate from the operating system, and do not permanently alter the machine. Customers can therefore reset the browser as needed, instantly returning the PC to its last-known good state. Previously offered on the HP Compaq dc7900 Business Desktop PC, this virtual protection tool will soon be extended to work with HP Compaq dc7500, HP Compaq dc5800, HP Compaq dc5850, HP Compaq dx2400, HP Compaq dx2450 and HP Compaq dx2390 desktop PCs. "As companies continue to rely on the Internet as a primary business tool, the need for systems that are more stable and resistant to the effects of interacting on the web has become a top concern," said Alan Reed, Vice President and General Manager, Business Desktops, HP. "With HP's virtual browsing solution, small business customers are equipped with an easy-to-use solution to efficiently manage their PCs, ultimately saving time and costs." "We're pleased that more people will be able to experience the exceptional features offered in Firefox," said Margaret Tallman, Business Development, Mozilla. "With Mozilla Firefox for HP Virtual Solutions, HP business customers will receive all the same key security attributes offered within Mozilla Firefox's standard version, including instant website ID, password manager, anti-malware, anti-phishing, one-click private data clearing, pop-up blocker." Ken Berryman, vice president, Endpoint Virtualization, Symantec, said: "This solution is a key milestone as application virtualization is now mainstream technology that makes PCs more efficient, stable and capable of meeting today's changing business demands. Delivering application software virtually allows businesses to provide a more productive and less expensive computing experience." HP expands choice for business and education customers with Linux offering To provide customers with more cost-effective and secure computing options, HP, the leader in worldwide Linux server shipments and revenue, has introduced a new desktop offering with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop from Novell on the HP Compaq dc5850. This joint solution delivers a tightly integrated suite of essential applications, including OpenOffice.org, web browser, multimedia tools, and email, collaboration and instant messaging software to drive productivity for business customers. For education customers, HP is working with Novell to develop and maintain a repository of more than 40 applications, including math, art and word games, to improve student learning. In addition, applications for school administration and instruction will be available for teachers and administrators. "We are excited to expand our work with HP to take advantage of the high-growth desktop Linux space," said Roger Levy, senior vice president and general manager, Open Platform Solutions, Novell. "As the best-engineered and most interoperable Linux desktop, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop helps customers increase security and improve productivity. With the focus on educational users, this affordable joint offering delivers a solid learning platform and prepares students with 21st-century technology skills." Pricing and availability The Mozilla Firefox for HP Virtual Solution is planned to be available worldwide by end of year at no additional cost on the new business desktop models referenced above, with the HP Compaq dx2390 available outside the United States. The HP Compaq dc5850 with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is expected to be available Dec. 15 in North America at a U.S. street price of $519.(1) About HP HP, the world's largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.