News release

HP Expands Easy-to-use Virtual Protection Tool, Desktop Linux Offering for Small Business Customers

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HP today announced the expansion of its virtualized browsing solution across select business desktop products and its plans to introduce Linux as an operating system choice for business desktop customers.

The offerings are designed to help small businesses enhance their productivity and ease their management of technology.

The first-of-its-kind Mozilla Firefox for HP Virtual Solution was developed with Symantec and Mozilla for HP customers. The solution uses the standard release of Mozilla Firefox with a Symantec Software Virtualization Solution layer that allows customers to use the Internet productively while keeping business PCs stable and easier to support.

As customers surf the web, changes made to the PC are contained in a “virtual layer,” separate from the operating system, and do not permanently alter the machine. Customers can therefore reset the browser as needed, instantly returning the PC to its last-known good state.

Previously offered on the HP Compaq dc7900 Business Desktop PC, this virtual protection tool will soon be extended to work with HP Compaq dc7500, HP Compaq dc5800, HP Compaq dc5850, HP Compaq dx2400, HP Compaq dx2450 and HP Compaq dx2390 desktop PCs.

“As companies continue to rely on the Internet as a primary business tool, the need for systems that are more stable and resistant to the effects of interacting on the web has become a top concern,” said Alan Reed, vice president and general manager, Business Desktops, HP. “With HP’s virtual browsing solution, small business customers are equipped with an easy-to-use solution to efficiently manage their PCs, ultimately saving time and costs.”

“We’re pleased that more people will be able to experience the exceptional features offered in Firefox,” said Margaret Tallman, Business Development, Mozilla. “With Mozilla Firefox for HP Virtual Solutions, HP business customers will receive all the same key security attributes offered within Mozilla Firefox’s standard version, including instant website ID, password manager, anti-malware, anti-phishing, one-click private data clearing, pop-up blocker.”

Ken Berryman, vice president, Endpoint Virtualization, Symantec, said: “This solution is a key milestone as application virtualization is now mainstream technology that makes PCs more efficient, stable and capable of meeting today’s changing business demands. Delivering application software virtually allows businesses to provide a more productive and less expensive computing experience.”

HP expands choice for business and education customers with Linux offering

To provide customers with more cost-effective and secure computing options, HP, the leader in worldwide Linux server shipments and revenue, has introduced a new desktop offering with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop from Novell on the HP Compaq dc5850.

This joint solution delivers a tightly integrated suite of essential applications, including OpenOffice.org, web browser, multimedia tools, and email, collaboration and instant messaging software to drive productivity for business customers.

For education customers, HP is working with Novell to develop and maintain a repository of more than 40 applications, including math, art and word games, to improve student learning. In addition, applications for school administration and instruction will be available for teachers and administrators.

“We are excited to expand our work with HP to take advantage of the high-growth desktop Linux space,” said Roger Levy, senior vice president and general manager, Open Platform Solutions, Novell. “As the best-engineered and most interoperable Linux desktop, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop helps customers increase security and improve productivity. With the focus on educational users, this affordable joint offering delivers a solid learning platform and prepares students with 21st-century technology skills.”

Pricing and availability

The Mozilla Firefox for HP Virtual Solution is planned to be available worldwide by end of year at no additional cost on the new business desktop models referenced above, with the HP Compaq dx2390 available outside the United States.

The HP Compaq dc5850 with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is expected to be available Dec. 15 in North America at a U.S. street price of $519. ⁽¹⁾

About HP

HP, the world’s largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

⁽¹⁾ Estimated U.S. street price. Actual prices may vary.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the achievement of expected results; and other risks that are described in HP’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2008 and HP’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

© 2008 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.