ヒューレッド・パッカード社は、ケニアの首都ナイロビに同社のパーソナル・システム・グループ（PSG）の東南部アフリカにおけるハブを設立しました。
ここを拠点としてサブサハラの18カ国を管轄するようです。同地域の中小企業向け、一般消費者向けのリテール市場の需要拡大に対応してのことです。
HP Makes Nairobi Its Regional Marketing Hub『The East African』2 November 2008 Posted to the web 3 November 2008
Hewlett Packard (HP) has made Nairobi the regional hub for East and Southern Africa for its Personal Systems Group (PSG).
PSG regional manager Fawzi Talout announced the decision during the recent consumer launch of its latest range of personal computers. The Nairobi office will serve 18 sub-Saharan countries.
The demand for computers and computer-related products and services has registered a marked increase due to the ongoing process of computerisation by both small and medium-size enterprises as well as governments that is sweeping through most African countries.
Many of the manufacturing centres such as South Africa are slowly changing their focus from mainframes to personal computers and PC-based networks.
"The continually increasing processing power and decreasing prices of personal computers, is also boosting demand for laptop and notebook computers and other add-on hardware," Mr Talout said.
HP is projecting sales in the personal computers segment to be largely driven by affordable and reliable Internet connectivity once the East African Submarine System (EASSy) cable is operational.
"We are witnessing a trend where computers today are becoming a centre of entertainment, offering music, videos and photos. Growth in the Internet is largely driving this market shift that has seen purchases driven by both work and entertainment needs," Mr Talout said.
The EASSy cable, which is expected to become operational by 2010, will free the region from dependence on satellite links and drive Internet costs down.
EASSy is a landmark fibre-optic cable project that will connect 21 African countries to each other and the rest of the world.
PSG aims to supply simple, reliable and affordable personal computing solutions and devices for home and business use. This group includes desktop PCs, notebooks, work stations, "thin clients," handhelds, displays, personal devices and emerging technologies.
With the cost of PCs a major determinant in market penetration, HP PSG is in the process of partnering with banks and ISP and software firms to target the mass market.
"In order to grow our market share in the retail market, we will employ a multifaceted approach encompassing innovative new products, new delivery channels, and partnerships with banks, ISPs and software developers," Mr Talout said.
The firm is partnering with five retailers during the launch phase of its latest product range.
It recently unveiled a broad portfolio of new consumer targeted notebook products featuring "elegant design" and "new digital experiences."
The products push the boundaries of personal computing design and experience while making it even easier for people to enjoy their photos, music and other content with anyone, anywhere," said Mr Talout.
"HP's new consumer notebooks and TouchSmart PC deliver photos, videos, music and entertainment that was previously stuck on our PCs gathering digital dust," he added.
He added that HP is developing new products and solutions that make connecting to people and information simple and fun and create a truly personalised computing experience.
"The PCs we are launching are designed to best fit their lifestyle and budget of our different customers," Mr Talout said.
HP is the world's largest technology company. It provides printing and personal computing products and IT services, software and solutions for consumers and businesses.
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