HP has announced a broad portfolio of “Microsoft-Ready” products; services and solutions to help ensure customers experience a seamless transition to Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007.

HP will support the latest Microsoft products through interoperability with its enterprise hardware and software offerings – including HP ProLiant and HP BladeSystem servers, HP StorageWorks products and HP Software – to improve access to information and tools so customers can more effectively collaborate and be more productive.

Additionally, nearly all HP business notebook, desktop and workstation PCs are available in Windows Vista Premium Ready configurations. In fact, HP was the first computer manufacturer in the industry to receive a Windows Vista Premium logo, for the HP xw9400 Workstation. More than 450 HP imaging and printing products are Windows Vista Ready.

As worldwide prime integrator for Microsoft products and technologies, HP Services will offer planning, design, implementation and support of the new Microsoft technologies and has the ability to integrate them into heterogeneous IT environments.

HP Services’ education team, a worldwide Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for learning solutions, will offer customized training to prepare businesses for the launch of Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. Services include traditional classroom or online training that enables businesses to stay up to date while minimizing the time away from core business activities.

“HP has worked extensively with Microsoft to develop complementary products and services across our portfolio that help customers realize the full value of the latest Microsoft offerings,” said David Booth, senior vice president and U.S. country manager, Technology Solutions Group, HP. “With HP and Microsoft technologies, customers can create a more agile, adaptive and successful business.”

To ensure HP business customers receive the best experience from the latest technology advancements from Microsoft, the companies created the Frontline Partnership, which spans hardware, software and services.

“As we launch Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, we recognize HP as a key global partner who our customers can depend on,” said Mike Sievert, vice president, Windows marketing Group, Microsoft Corp. “Together, Microsoft and HP are providing customers high quality products and an unprecedented opportunity to build their People-Ready Business, leveraging their organizations’ greatest asset – their people.”