HP ties up with SLI

To offer insurance cover for selected notebooks:

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Hewlett-Packard (HP), the world's largest technology company tied up with Sri Lanka Insurance (SLI) to offer all risk insurance cover for selected note books, an initiative taken for the first time in the country to take forward the IT industry.

"The service, HP Advantage Plus for notebook consumers will be offered free of charge up to January 15 next year and this is an ideal time to purchase HP notebook to receive benefit of an innovative service," Hewlett-Packard Personal Systems Group Asia Emerging Countries Country Business Manager Lackshmindra Fernando said.

This is a one of a kind promotion for the season in keeping with the government strategy to promote the ICT industry.

Technology which gives the power of connectivity has reached remote parts of the country and tremendous growth could be seen in the past two to three years, he said.

Mobile phones and notebooks are two most important devices at present and safeguarding information is crucial in current context. In this regard having an insurance scheme to promote notebooks is vital, he said.

While retaining the market leadership of having 36 percent of market share HP continuously focuses on increasing service delivery in the country.

The company has introduced innovative initiatives including e-club initiative and rapid repair service centre.

There is a need to further consolidate the infrastructure facilities to improve the ICT penetration. HP which has five service centres in Colombo and over 40 centres in outstations is taking measures to improve on turnaround time.

"In an era where the computer is becoming personal again and Sri Lankans are on the voyage towards a digital age, we at HP are focusing to blend the product and the marketing value to enhance the overall perceived value of notebook users," HP Personal Systems Group Channel Marketing Manager and Marketing Specialist Ginsara Dias said.

HP will continuously invest on value creation.

The worldwide HP investment on research and development exceeds $ 4 billion and it has manufacturing plants in countries including China, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, he said.

While assuring a fast delivery claim process with its well connected 125 branch network islandwide, Sri Lanka Insurance General Insurance Chief Officer Ainsly J Alles said that they could offer all risk cover and beyond.

"We have the possibility of extending the cover to include overseas cover with an additional premium.

The strong financial position of the Sri Lanka Insurance will support the free scheme where the 24 hour hot line will facilitate an efficient service to HP customers," he said.