Mumbai: Hewlett Packard will roll out Microsoft''s Office software bundled in its desktops and servers and aimed at small and medium businesses.

HP will offer its Proliant range of servers with Windows Server 2003 and Windows Small Business Server 2003 The desktop and server solutions under this new initiative are targeted to specifically suit the needs of SMB customers. Neelam Dhawan, MD, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd says, "When evaluating a technology solution, SMBs look for three things - a solution that will help address their business need, one that they can easily implement, use and support, and finally is cost effective in the short and the long term."

Dhawan adds, "H-P and Microsoft have custom developed these desktop and server solutions to specifically suit the needs of our SMB customers. The products combine best of breed software and hardware options, are out of the box, require minimal set up and maintenance and come at cost effective prices. H-P''s strong after sales service and support network strengthens the value proposition."

According to Balu Doraisamy, MD, HP India Sales Pvt Ltd. said, "Today, Indian SMB''s are gearing up to tap the benefits of a fast growing economy and they are looking at technology as a growth enabler. Through this initiative with Microsoft, we will reach out to empower SMBs in the country through our Smart Office portfolio of solutions developed specifically for them. HP''s Smart Office framework provides SMBs with reliable high-quality products and solutions, local and specialized expertise and a simplified experience with technology."

Under this initiative, HP in alliance with Microsoft will offer full-featured desktop PCs running basic office applications. Each of these desktop PCs will be available pre-loaded with a version of Microsoft''s Office productivity software - Office Basic, Office Professional and Office Small Business Edition, which have been created specifically for small businesses. These desktops will be offered with a 3-year warranty from HP.

The ''small business edition'' Microsoft Office 2003, is a version targeted at small organisations. It includes 2003 versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher and the new Office Business Contact Manager, a contact-management add-on for Outlook 2003, which helps small business owners, and salespersons track customer contacts and sales opportunities.

Among servers, customers can choose from three models from the stable of HP Proliant servers with an option of a bundle with Windows Server Small Business Edition and Windows Server 2003 for the operating system.