HTC launches Business handset recommendation service

HTC has launched a handset recommendation service called HTC Business — backed by a new Business division — that it says will ease the stress of deciding which handsets should be deployed to employees.

The new division and service were announced on Tuesday as the company refocuses on targeting business users after its consumer success.

"The HTC brand is increasingly gaining traction with consumers across the globe but our heritage lies in the business market," Jon French, executive director for HTC UK, Ireland and South Africa said in a statement. "The business smartphone market represented nearly a third of the total smartphone market in 2009, according to analyst house Canalys, and is expected to grow dramatically in the coming years."

In recent years HTC has become well known for manufacturing handsets that use the Google Android operating system, such as the Desire HD and Desire Z, but it traditionally built its devices around Windows Mobile.

HTC now offers a range of devices on the Windows Phone 7 platform which it will be recommending to users — alongside Android devices — of the Business recommendation service.

Under the scheme, HTC Business customers will be able to test a range of handsets and return those that are unsuitable to ensure that the portfolio meets the IT and user needs, according to the company.

"We strongly believe that the latest generation of smartphones has finally reached a stage where we can truly speak of enabling mobile working and productivity at a reduced cost," French noted. "Innovation and agility are two avenues through which small and medium-sized businesses in the UK are looking to beat the current economic pressures," he added.

The service is also supported by a technical team and a training team, as well as a new Business services website to support the service.