Compaq Unveils Servers, Services For Small Businesses

Compaq furthered its push into the small business market yesterday with product introductions that included a line of low-cost servers and a distribution strategy that will let resellers order custom-configured Prosignia PCs directly from Compaq.

The Prosignia NeoServer line of servers for small businesses includes two models, Standard and Internet Plus. Both models can support up to 25 PCs and come with browser-based management software, a Compaq Netelligent 8-port hub, a 10/100-Mbyte Network Interface Card, enough networking cable for one client, a 6.0-Gbyte hard drive, and an 8.4-Gbyte backup drive. Both systems also include a feature that lets users set scheduled times for automatic server backup. The servers offer file sharing, peripheral sharing, remote access capabilities, and security features. The Standard model starts at $1,399, while the Internet Plus model, which also includes Internet access and E-mail capabilities, starts at $1,699.

Compaq is also offering new services for small businesses that range from preparing sites for networking to full installation services. Included are the On-Site Network Service, priced at $249; On-Site Installation and Startup Service, which is priced at $299; and the On-Site Client Installation and Startup Service, priced at $125 per PC or $525 for five PCs.

Compaq, which now sells Prosignia systems to small and midsize businesses either directly or through distributors and resellers, said it will now sell Prosignia from U.S. retail outlets, including CompUSA, Office Depot, OfficeMax, and Staples. Also, Compaq has started a new program, called PartnerDirect, that gives resellers the ability to purchase custom-built Prosignia products directly from Compaq.

Compaq has set up a dedicated telephone sales center that lets resellers purchase models that are configured per order, and Compaq will ship those systems directly to resellers or resellers' customers. Compaq said it started the program to reduce time in the delivery cycle and eliminate channel inventories.