PURCHASING NOTES

By Staff -- Purchasing, 6/15/2000

Hewlett-Packard is getting out of the compatible imaging-supplies business.

Hewlett-Packard is getting out of the compatible imaging-supplies business. Its eliptica brand had provided a line of toner for use in 59 Xerox copiers. Although the company no longer plans to sell eliptica products, it says it will honor all provisions of eliptica's warranty statement for current customers. HP decided to exit the compatible imaging-supplies business to refocus its resources on other strategic growth opportunities. For information, call 877-eliptica.

In other Hewlett-Packard news: HP has slashed prices by up to 21% on its business desktop PC lines,

In other Hewlett-Packard news: HP has slashed prices by up to 21% on its business desktop PC lines , including its Brio business PCs, HP Vectra corporate PCs, and HP Kayak PC workstations. HP Vectra corporate PCs, equipped with the latest standard industry technology such as Intel processors and 3Com network interface cards, now sell for about 15% less.

Prices on color printers continue to fall.

Prices on color printers continue to fall. Xerox recently introduced the new Phaser 750 color laser printer that it plans to sell for $200 less than models of its competitors. The new printer is a result of the company's recent acquisition of Tektronix. At the same time, it cut tags 25% on its Phaser 740 color printer. The Phaser 750 is said to provide increased printing and processing speeds and even more realistic color quality.

Peripherals purchasing goes online.

Peripherals purchasing goes online. Recent CAP Ventures research indicates that 40% of corporate buyers plan to use the Internet to identify products, select suppliers, and/or purchase their next copier, printer, or fax machine. "Our recent research indicates that once a customer starts using the Internet channel they often quickly migrate most of their purchasing to the Web," says Jeff Hayes, research director, CAP Ventures. The firm also projects that more than 50% of office-equipment supplies (toner, ink and paper) will be sold through Internet channels by 2004.

The Boeing Co. has selected Dell Computer to provide hardware maintenance services

The Boeing Co. has selected Dell Computer to provide hardware maintenance services for more than 85,000 users over the next three years. As part of the agreement, Dell will provide Boeing with services for its OptiPlex desktop PCs and Latitude notebooks as well as support for some third-party equipment. Boeing entered into a three-year agreement to standardize globally on Dell desktops and notebooks.

It's not too late to head to New York to attend PC Expo,

It's not too late to head to New York to attend PC Expo, which takes place June 27-29 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. More than 500 exhibitors from some of the world's leading technology companies are expected, as well as 85,000 corporate technology buyers and IT professionals. Call (800) 829-3976, ext. 2207, or check www.pcexpo.com.

Sun Microsystems has realigned its businesses to increase customer focus and emphasis on product execution.

Sun Microsystems has realigned its businesses to increase customer focus and emphasis on product execution. As part of the realignment of its business units, the company has established a single global sales operation, a new customer advocacy function, and has merged its computer systems and microelectronics groups into a new system products organization. Mel Friedman, formerly head of Sun's microelctronics group (and vice president of supplier management), will be senior vice president, customer advocacy and the new corporate quality officer. Sun received Purchasing Magazine's Medal of Professional Excellence in 1996.

ICN Solutions has set dates for its Summer Series Seminars:

ICN Solutions has set dates for its Summer Series Seminars: High Tech Procurement, July 5-7, Orlando; Software Issues, Contracts & Negotiations, July 31-August 1, Las Vegas; and E-commerce Issues, Contracts & Negotiations, August 2-3, Las Vegas. For information, call 407-740-0700.