HP, Google Collaboration Features Google Apps for Biz via “HP SMB IT in a Box”

into the Google Apps Reseller program today, HP SMB IT in a Box will leverage existing innovative HP hardware, including PCs and printers, with Google Apps for Business, Google’s cloud-based communication and collaboration tools. HP SMB IT in a Box can now simplify customers’ IT environment and help reduce their operating costs and infrastructure requirements while improving their workflows and workforce productivity.

This initiative represents HP’s latest collaboration with Google.HP already offers a number of products based on Google’s Android and Chrome operating systems including theHP SlateBook x2, HP Slate⁷and the HP Chromebook.

HP SMB IT in a Box combines HP’s PCs, printers, management console, administration and customer support with the productivity, collaboration tools and security of Google Apps.The new program will continue to grow to encompass all the technologies SMBs need to win in the marketplace. Eventually, the solution will include integrated consoles for resellers, IT administrators and end users, allowing easy access to the entire solution, including Google Apps for Business.

HP SMB IT in a Box will be offered through HP’s broad network of reseller partners. The initial offering is expected to be available to select resellers in the United States in July followed by broader availability worldwide by the end of the year.