IBM revamps PC leasing programmes

Managed service options can save up to 30 per cent, says Big Blue

Robert Jaques, vnunet.com 16 Feb 2005

IBM Global Financing today revamped its PC leasing programme in the UK with the introduction of three schemes designed to make PC acquisition more affordable and flexible.

The firm's PC Performance Plan is a Fair Market Value lease which offers the cheapest lease rates from IBM Global Financing. It is available for all types of PCs with lease terms up to 48 months.

The second option is IBM's PC Performance Plan Plus which, at the time of initial signing, provides pre-stated terms for buyout of the leased kit, in addition to a returns option.

It also includes asset substitution, which allows the flexibility to return similar machine types or models, rather than the leased equipment, at the end of the lease. It is available on leases with terms from 24 to 48 months.

PC Performance Plan and PC Performance Plan Plus are available now in Europe, the US, Canada, and selected Asia Pacific countries.

The final option is the PC Price Per Seat Programme, which offers PC equipment, warranty or maintenance coverage, and other services for one monthly invoice per unit of equipment.

According to IBM, average desktop PC maintenance costs a business between $2,000 and $5,000 per PC per year per person. The company claims that its desktop management services can cut the costs of managing personal technology by up to 30 per cent.

"In today's competitive business climate, the cost of managing a fleet of PCs can quickly spiral out of control, creating chaos on the balance sheet and with a company's IT staff," said Dale Moegling, manager of international desktops at IBM Global Services.

"Although prices for PCs, laptops and other personal technology devices have dropped in recent years, the costs of maintaining and operating them have skyrocketed. This has prompted companies to get a better handle on their PC management costs by acquiring PCs and services in a package."

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