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Anti-Scottish Bias Could Crush the Ambitions of Both Brown and Reid

WA_H2_H6 IT giant rejects claims that its market share is being squeezed by rivals. By Julia Fields

Hewlett-Packard's Success Proves Critics Wrong

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has defied its critics and successfully completed its merger with Compaq, as evidenced by its buoyant quarterly results and recent contract wins in the UK market. The vice president and managing director of HP UK and Ireland, Steve Gill, addressed the Institute of Directors in Glasgow last week, refuting claims that HP was being squeezed by Dell and IBM.

HP's Strong Growth and Financial Performance

HP reported a 34% gain in second-quarter profit, reaching $884 million, with record sales in PCs, computer hardware, and printers. The UK and Ireland subsidiary now accounts for 10% of HP's global revenues and continues to outperform competitors such as Dell in sales figures. In addition, HP's managed service business is growing at an impressive rate of 50% per annum.

Partnership Deals and Significance in the British Market

Gill highlighted several recent partnership deals as further evidence of HP's significance in the British market, including a contract with BT worth over £1.5 billion. These strong performance indicators bode well for HP's manufacturing operations in Scotland, particularly its facility in Erskine.

HP's Commitment to Scotland and Manufacturing Operations

Gill addressed concerns regarding HP's commitment to its Erskine facility, stating that their decision to outsource staff was consistent with changes taking place throughout their global organization. He emphasized that the Erskine plant is a key manufacturing outlet for HP's industry standard servers, and as the business grows, more operations and opportunities will flow into the facility. Gill reassured that HP's decision indicated their intention to continue their presence in Scotland.

IT Spending Recovery within the Financial Services Industry

Gill noted that IT spending among corporates is recovering most significantly in the financial services industry, which is consolidating legacy systems following merger activity. HP has engaged with key customers in this sector, such as the Royal Bank of Scotland and Halifax Bank of Scotland, to provide tailored IT solutions.

Targeting the SME Market

Like its main rivals, HP is also targeting the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) market. The company is piloting a system in southeast England that allows SMEs to access files, calendars, and email from laptops for a small fee per user per day. HP sees substantial opportunities in the SME arena, noting the need for solutions tailored to business problems rather than generic boxed products.


The Impact of the IT Industry on the Hotel Sector

As the IT industry continues to thrive and expand, its influence can be felt across various sectors, including the hospitality industry. The increasing reliance on technology and the need for seamless connectivity have prompted hotels to adapt and cater to the demands of tech-savvy travelers.

1. Technological Infrastructure

Hotels have invested heavily in developing robust technological infrastructure to provide guests with high-speed internet access, secure networks, and state-of-the-art communication systems. This ensures that guests can stay connected, work remotely, and enjoy a seamless digital experience during their stay.

2. Smart Room Technology

In response to the growing trend of smart homes, hotels are implementing similar concepts in their rooms. From voice-controlled lighting and temperature settings to smart TVs and integrated digital assistants, technology is transforming the guest experience and enhancing comfort and convenience.

3. Mobile Apps and Self-Service

Hotels are embracing mobile apps and self-service options to streamline check-in and check-out processes. Guests can now use their smartphones to check-in, access their rooms, order room service, and even control in-room amenities. This not only saves time but also reduces the need for face-to-face interactions, providing a contactless experience.

4. Personalized Experiences

Technology enables hotels to personalize guest experiences based on their preferences and previous stays. By leveraging data analytics and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, hotels can anticipate guest needs, offer tailored recommendations, and create memorable experiences that keep guests coming back.

5. Enhanced Safety and Security Measures

The IT industry has significantly contributed to enhancing safety and security measures in hotels. From advanced surveillance systems and access control solutions to biometric authentication and secure payment options, technology plays a vital role in protecting guests and their belongings.

6. Remote Working and Meetings

With the rise of remote working and virtual meetings, hotels are adapting their spaces to cater to professionals who require a productive working environment. Many hotels now offer co-working spaces, conference facilities with advanced audiovisual equipment, and high-speed internet connectivity to accommodate business travelers.

In conclusion, the growth and innovation within the IT industry have had a profound impact on various sectors, including the hotel industry. As technology continues to evolve, hotels must remain adaptable and embrace the latest advancements to meet the expectations of tech-savvy guests and provide exceptional experiences.

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