Internet Access: HP Creates New Internet Business Unit to Deliver On E-Services Strategy; Major Step to Aggressively Extend HP's Internet Thrust - Company Operations

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, March 15, 1999

Hewlett-Packard Company Tuesday announced the formation of the Internet Business Unit (IBU) to create Internet software, solutions, appliances and e-services. The new organization will lead HP's e-services strategy, which embodies HP's vision of the next wave of the Internet.

IBU, which has its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., was formed by integrating Internet-related activities throughout HP, and includes VeriFone, HP's wholly owned subsidiary. In addition to the above, IBU also is responsible for driving the e-services strategy across the HP value chain for Internet supply-chain and customer-relationship-management solutions.

"The pulling together of HP's previously dispersed Internet efforts into an integrated Internet Business Unit, coupled with the launch of the new e-services strategy, will significantly enhance HP's Internet position," said Joe Beyers, general manager of IBU. "Our charter is to establish HP as a leading innovator in the new e-services world while immediately enhancing our current capabilities in e-business/e-commerce."

IBU consists of the following five divisions: * E-Services Division -- Provides the software infrastructure to enable e-business solutions and e-services, including the software environment that spans from servers to clients to appliances.

* Internet Security Division -- Responsible for providing software products that enable end-to-end security of e-business solutions.

* VeriFone Division -- Develops Internet software and appliances that enable secure financial transactions.

* E-Commerce Division -- Develops software products that enhance e-commerce and customer-relationship-management solutions.

* E-Business Solutions Division -- Develops e-business solutions that are replicated within vertical industries or horizontal segments. Examples include e-banking, manufacturing business-to-business e-commerce vertical solutions, and horizontal solutions in security and management.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 122,800 employees and had revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. FMI: http://www.hp.com.