The Hindu Business Line : HP forays into education with learning solutions

Hewlett Packard India has forayed into the education space with its new initiative HP Learning Solutions (HPLS). The nouveau division aims to enable technology penetration in schools and hopes to become an end-to-end solution provider in the country.

“HPLS is a strategic initiative to leap into the education market. Our aim is to become a one-stop-solution for all information communication and technology (ICT) needs of a school. This will include hardware, software, networking, training, maintenance and financing solution through one window,” Mr V. Sukumar, Country Manager, Educational Solution, Personal Systems Group HP India, told Business Line.

Private schools

HP India is rolling out its system in 20 cities across the country. “We will be targeting private schools in these 20 cities during the first phase, which will be completed by March this year. The second phase, starting June, will see HPLS being rolled out in tier-2 cities,” he added.

Elucidating the business model, Mr Sukumar said, HPLS will primarily dwell on two broad areas in schools — administrative and academic.

“Our research showed us that schools run around various vendors to set up their IT infrastructure. This shifts the focus from their core competencies. Besides setting up the infrastructure, HPLS would also provide corporate support and enable identified resource persons of HP to participate in the pedagogic and administrative aspects of the programme, wherever necessary,” he said.

Cost

Initially, the company will provide e-learning solutions in Science and Maths to various Boards. Social Sciences and English will be added by April, he said.

On the cost of deployment of HPLS solution, Mr Sukumar said, the cost can vary from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 18 lakh depending on the size and strength of the school. HPLS has also tied up with ICICI Bank to secure finance for schools over a three-year period.

The company is targeting a five per cent market share from 10,000-odd private schools in the 20 cities it has launched.

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