Small and medium size business operators in Nigeria are to learn new and modern techniques capable of helping their businesses grow, as leading technology distributor, Hewlett Packard HP is organising a forum where experts, both local and international, will speak on challenges facing the sub sector. Scheduled for thursday, October 25 in Lagos the event, according to Dr. Lloyd Atabansi, Managing Director, will attract speakers who will proffer solutions to various challenges and problems facing small businesses in the country. It will specifically address technological constraints being faced by this sub sector of the economy.



Describing small businesses as the heroes of today's economy, he said they often need a solid technology partner, as there is a fine-art to starting, running, and growing a small business. HP's unique approach, according to him, delivers a personalized experience. The HP boss noted that the forthcoming Lagos forum is a follow-up to the Art of Small Business launch which held at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco on March 28, 2007 . The forum featured customers and new partnerships as well as new products, services and resources that HP has designed specifically for small businesses.



He revealed that the key take-away participants at the event was HP's commitment to small businesses and its investment in their success. HP's is stepping up its commitment to small business and personally invested in their success. This success, according to him, is enhanced through HP technology and the event displayed how HP comprehensively addresses their needs through developing tailored solutions, HP Total Care for a worry-free technology experience, and partnerships with organizations that advocate their interests. Atabansi noted that HP has partnered with several Original Equipments Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco and Starcomms (telko) to package a bundle targeted specifically for the small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria . Since entrepreneurs may not immediately consider technology in their business plans, HP's partnership is a good opportunity to put HP products in front of its clients as they begin their business ventures. The news entails extending this relationship by jointly providing training to small businesses on how to protect and secure important data, he said.



HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the last four fiscal quarters, HP revenue totaled $83.3 billion. In Nigeria , which covers all English speaking West Africa , HP provides its full range of products and services, from complex Itanium servers, to simple entry-level printers. HP's customers are supported by a network of HP service centers around the country.