DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, July 19, 2004 - HP today announced availability of the free HP Local Recovery software via download from the web for use on currently shipping business desktops, notebooks and workstations. This local backup and recovery solution from Altiris helps to increase security and reduce risk of data lost by protecting data and the system image in a hidden, secure area on the local hard drive.

HP Local Recovery takes regularly scheduled "snapshots" of a computer's software image that includes user data and preferences. The snapshot is then stored in a highly compressed form in a protected area on the client hard disk drive. If data is lost or damaged, it can be quickly and easily restored by the end user, without help desk assistance.

"HP understands the protection of intellectual property and knowledge worker data is critical in today's business environment, and we're delivering reliable, easy-to-use solutions that help reduce the total cost of ownership and increase productivity for our business systems customers," said Badea Esbai, Business Development Manager, Personal Systems Group, HP Middle East. "HP's long-standing relationship with Altiris enables us to offer customers a complete, affordable data backup and recovery solution."

The local recovery solution provides several key features that are crucial in a backup and recovery solution. During a snapshot all critical user data is backed up, including applications such as e-mail messages, presentations and word processing documents. Unlike some competitive offerings, HP Local Recovery from Altiris allows for unlimited snapshots, providing users the ability to roll back to the last known good state or recover individual documents and files deleted or damaged months prior.

"Altiris and HP have co-developed a comprehensive and unique line of IT lifecycle management solutions that help HP customers reduce the cost of managing their IT assets," said Rob Wellman, Altiris VP of strategic alliance sales. "With Altiris Local Recovery now available for HP business desktops, notebooks and workstations, HP customers can realize even greater data security and support cost reduction."

HP has worked exclusively with Altiris on this co-branded solution to offer customers one of the most complete client local recovery solutions in the market. The solution also offers optional features for backing up opened and locked files, as well as multiple hard drive support for expanded user and network security. Additional features also include network-based recovery to back-up and restore user data and system images from the network, offering users the ability to recover data if a client is lost or stolen, or if hard drive failure occurs.

Availability

HP Altiris Local Recovery is also available for download for existing and new HP business PC, notebook and workstation customers at http://www.altiris.com/products/recovery/hp.  Additional information regarding HP Client Management Solutions and the Altiris recovery product is available at http://www.hp.com/go/easydeploy.

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About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2004, HP revenue totaled $76.8 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

About HP Middle East:
HP is the largest IT company in the Middle East employing about 500 professionals in the region. HP has been present in the Middle East since 1968, and opened its first regional office in 1994 and has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar, Cairo and Ramallah servicing the GCC, the Levant and Egypt. For more information about HP in the Middle East, please visit www.hp.com/me.


Editorial contacts:
Hanan Kamal, HP
+ 9714 3916000
hanan.kamal@hp.com

Rola Zaarour
Hill & Knowlton for HP
+ 971 4 334 4930
rola.zaarour@hillandknowlton.com

Hewlett‑Packard Middle East
P O Box 17295
Dubai Internet City
Dubai
www.hp.com/me

2004 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

© Press Release 2004