14 DAY TRIAL // AOL has recently announced that it will begin to install some software applications on HP's computer systems, both mobile and desktop models, as the two companies signed an agreement concerning this software bundle. Among the applications that will appear from now on all HP branded computer systems there are localized versions of its portal, toolbar and Internet search tool.
Under the same agreement, AOL will set the homepage of the default browsers supplied with the HP computer systems to that aforementioned portal, while the computers themselves will be co-branded, most probably sporting the AOL logo right next to the HP one.
This agreement comes as a continuation of the current partnership between the two companies, in which HP sets as the default homepage the co-branded AOL/HP portal for all consumer intended computer systems that are sold in the United States. As the new agreement includes a number of countries, apart from the United States, AOL will supply a localized version of its portals, toolbars and search solutions for every relevant country, according to a press release.
The portal that will be set as the default homepage on the new HP computer systems will be based on a new Web application, myAOL, which has just been released as a public beta and which is modular based and pretty customizable. The portal will grant HP users access to some relevant content related to their computers and additional services and product offerings while working as an AOL services advertising page at the same time.
"This agreement provides us a unique opportunity to showcase our portal, toolbar and other products and services to a truly global audience," said Ron Grant, President and Chief Operating Officer, AOL. "At a time when international online markets are experiencing rapid growth, AOL is now poised to enable people around the world to create a personally relevant online destination."
"Customers from the board room to the living room continue to recognize and prefer the unique features designed into HP PCs," said Satjiv Chahil, senior vice president, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The new AOL/HP portal will provide customers the ability to make their PCs even more personal through a suite of customizable products and services."