HP to revive inkjet printer business

HP is trying to revive the inkjet printer business with a new ink-based
printing platform, known as Scalable Printing Technology (SPT). The company has
launched a host of products based on this technology in the Consumer Fall
Launch, a regional event opened at Singapore.

Also unveiled was its digital entertainment solution-HP Pavilion Media Center
PC. These products would be made available across the globe by October 2005,
said company sources.

"With the new scalable technology, we are able to offer products at a
very reasonable price across the industry segments and this a result of HP's
five years initiative, investing over $1.4 billion in this program," said
Chris Morgan, Senior VP, Imaging and Printing Group, HP Asia Pacific and Japan.

Though, digital printing marketshare is estimated at 5% presently worldwide,
the company expects it to grow in the future as more users across the globe are
moving from analog to digital.

HP showcased the first printers built on the new Scalable Printing
Technology, which include the world's fastest home photo printing devices that
can produce 4x6" photos in 14 seconds and desktop color business printer,
which enables small and medium-sized businesses to print up to twice the speed
and 30% lower cost-per-page than color laser printers.

"Today marks a milestone in HP's 21-year printing history and raises
the bar for price/performance around printing in the home, office and for the
entire industry in digital prints," said Chris. However, he said, the
company would continue its focus and leadership in the laser segment too.

HP claims that its new technology is a breakthrough in the architecture and
manufacturing of the inkjet printhead, resulting not only in offering low-cost
product but with high speed.

As the new platform is scalable, the company is able to address the diverse
needs of the printing market, from high-volume consumer users and small to
medium-sized businesses all the way up to the commercial market, such as on- and
offline print kiosks.

S GOPIKRISHNA,
SINGAPORE (The author was hosted by HP in Singapore)