‘Hp recently launcHeD tHe businessnow program to proviDe knowleDge anD tecHnological support for smbs’

We spoke to Gurpreet Singh Brar, Director- Sales Services-HP India about the various business and IT challenges faced by Indian SMBs, technology initiatives taken by HP and finally the roadmap for the future

“The Small and Medium Businesses in India have grown exponentially in last few years and owing to their sheer numbers, are making a significant contribution to the country’s GDP. In-spite of this heavy contribution to the Indian economy, SMEs face a bag of numerous technology hurdles. HP is looking at constantly helping SMBs to help achieve growth and stay relevant,“said Brar. The organization has been churning out new form factors, thin and light devices that are driving more demand. Windows 10 adoption has given rise to introduction of new form factors across segments in both consumer and commercial category. HP is well equipped to deliver a comprehensive IT solution by partnering with various ISPs to help provide access to internet and bridge the digital divide in the country, he further added.

Role of IT and Challenges faced by SMBs

While implementing IT, SMBs face two important challenges: initial investment required to set up the IT infrastructure and lack of skilled resources required to keep the IT infrastructure updated. Information Technology is a key element that connects SMBs with the clients and it helps them pre-empt their needs and deliver exactly what they are looking for and in time, while also playing an important role to keep the momentum going.

Tackling the Challenges of SMBs

“HP believes in fostering the SMB culture in India by helping them leverage IT for their growth and success. We have set-up a huge partner network in India to offer innovative products and solutions in every nook and corner of the country and help SMBs realize their potential and transform digitally for their success. Along-with other IT organization HP recently launched an imperative program BusinessNow, which was used to provide knowledge and technological support for SMBs to digitally amplify their businesses,” said Brar. Under this

Future Roadmap

- Interviewed by Nijhum Rudra program, HP provides digital transformation training and support to SMBs on ways to list their products and service offerings on e-commerce sites and improving their visibility on digital platforms. “We will also train and educate customers on how to improve business operations for optimal efficiency as well as provide cutting-edge computing and printing products and support to upscale their business,” he further added.

Partnering with various start-ups and SMBs, HP is providing solutions in helping them grow their business by giving them faster access to technology and support.

Role of Ministry of MSME in Helping SMBs

The governing body, SME Chamber of India, has various initiatives in place to promote and support SMEs in the country. They have set up technology development council, start-up council, Indian knowledge forum, Industrial and SME Research Centre, etc for Indian SMEs to provide much needed assistance for start-ups. Current Government has been very active to promote this sector by bringing in initiatives like Make In India, Startup India – Stand Up India and Digital India.

HP plays across the spectrum offering hardware, software solutions as well as services that are required for an enterprise to grow. Going forward, HP aims to bridge the digital divide in the country and help empower citizens through digital experiences. They are planning to assist the Government of India to achieve the Digital India initiative by offering technology experiences, innovative solutions & products and service excellence that results in creating a digital generation across the country. “We are also working with our trusted partners’ network across the country, including Microsoft and Intel, to create solutions for Digital India that will benefit Indian SMBs and start-ups,” Brar concluded.