What the HP-Compaq Merger Has Meant To Partners: Gary Stevens

Since the merger, have HP-Compaq sales increased, decreased or stayed the same?
"Our sales have grown dramatically since May of last year, due to the growing demand for managed print services, or what we call 'utility printing'...But this is a market trend that is independent of, and unaffected by, the HP-Compaq merger."

Is HP more, or less, competitive in your core businesses?
"Compaq has appeared to have little effect, one way or the other, on the overall competitiveness of HP's printing business."

How has your company been impacted by the merger?
"I think there has been some question as to the focus on and investment in HP's printer business during and after the merger. HP seems to have had great interest in developing new markets, such as the one Print Inc. leads, but has failed to consistently support those strategies in any major way. At times, the merger seemed to consume HP, which may have [impacted] product delivery, the speed with which product issues were resolved, and overall reseller support. HP has since regained its product focus and now appears more responsive to partner needs."