HP_cloud

The way it works is simple: Buy an HP Compaq 6200 or 6005 Pro Series through HP’s Smart Buy program and you get 10GB of free Box storage, with the option to purchase more storage at a discounted rate. The higher-end HP Compaq 8200 Elite includes a free year of unlimited storage and enterprise sync.

“HP’s broad range of PCs plus Box’s scalable service provides the desirable security, functionality and features to meet the needs and budgets of our customers,” said Stephen DiFranco, HP’s senior vice president and general manager, Americas, Personal Systems Group (wow, HP’s employee directory must look like the Encyclopedia Britannica), in a prepared statement.

I’m not sure if this announcement falls under the purview of Box’s new technology ecosystem program. But even as HP works hard to expand its cloud presence, Box has been trying to reposition itself as less of a solution and more of a platform. In that light, partnering up with HP to find new cloud customers only makes sense.

My only concern: It’s unclear if this HP/Box team-up is available through solution providers. We’ll check with HP and get back to you with an answer.