Lenovo has announced the launch of ThinkPad SL Series , a complete computing solution for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) in India . The ThinkPad SL Series includes a combination of three new notebook PCs - ThinkPad SL 300, ThinkPad SL 400 and ThinkPad SL 500 , along with unique software tools and new levels of service and support. The solution and offerings have been tailor-made, taking into account the IT and business needs of SMBs in the country. This is the first time that the legendary Think brand has been made available at an SMB price point in India .

Indian SMBs are growing at a blistering pace and are aspiring for a bigger and better slice of their respective verticals. Given this background, they need to put their best foot forward in this competitive market. The Think brand has always been considered the pinnacle of enterprise computing with its no-nonsense approach, lower total cost of ownership and unbeatable features. With the ThinkPad SL Series now available at an SMB price point in the country, this segment of users gets a chance to Think Big with a serious, business-minded notebook that not only takes care of their computing needs in a comprehensive manner, but also acts as the equivalent of formal dressing in IT equipment, to truly impress their clients. 

Amar Babu, Managing Director, Lenovo India , commented at the launch of ThinkPad SL Series, “The SMB segment is one of the fastest growing segments in India . A recent study reveals that Indian SMBs spent USD 6.6 billion on IT in 2007-08, which is around 30 percent of the total IT spend in India . It is this huge business opportunity that we are tapping into, with the ThinkPad SL series. The launch of this product is also an integral part of Lenovo's overall strategy of Getting Closer to customers in India .”

SMBs in India tend to be predominantly price-conscious while making IT decisions. Vital considerations while purchasing are the total cost of ownership, the quality of the products and the services component. The ThinkPad SL Series will equip its partners with the right products at the right time, with the right programs.

The ThinkPad SL Series encompasses ThinkPad's durability and reliability, factors that SMB users rate as most important, while excluding some of the features that only the large enterprises require, allowing Lenovo to provide a more affordable solution for the SMB customers. The notebook PCs are based on Intel's latest Centrino 2 processor technology. ThinkPad SL 300, ThinkPad SL 400 and ThinkPad SL 500 feature cutting-edge technologies, such as excellent multimedia capabilities with an optional Blu-Ray DVD player on select models as well as a black glossy cover that make for a stylish design.

Lenovo designed the notebooks for the unique way these users work – whether at home, the office, the park or even a coffee shop. With the need for always-on, 24/7 connectivity growing, select models of all three of the ThinkPad SL notebooks are available with wireless connectivity options . The notebooks also feature WiFi, Ethernet and optional Bluetooth technologies . Lenovo's Active Protection System, an air-bag like system, protects the hard drive against drops or falls, and an optional fingerprint reader enables protection against unauthorized users . The ThinkPad SL300 notebook also comes with an LED backlit display . Speakers, microphones and an optional webcam provide excellent support for Internet voice and video conferencing . And support for HDMI/VGA means users can watch video content, like movies in high-definition.

Software and Services

Software and services complement the hardware part of the solution. Without dedicated IT support, users often have little help when it come to things such as connecting to the Internet, managing passwords, data recovery and updating their computer. Lenovo's unique Lenovo Care Tools solve those common issues and help take the frustration and time out of managing one's computer. The notebooks come with Lenovo's Access Connections, Client Security Solutions, Rescue and Recovery, Presentation Director and System Update.

To help small businesses get the most productivity from their new ThinkPad notebooks, and to meet the growing demand for protection and security, Lenovo is introducing ThinkPlus Secure Business , the first of several new custom service packages designed for the SMB which consists of:

· On-site next-business-day warranty upgrade to keep small businesses productive

· ThinkPad protection, providing PC repairs or replacement in the event of liquid spills, physical damage or electrical surges

ThinkPlus Secure Business is available for a one year as well as a three year term. In the coming months, Lenovo will introduce ThinkPlus Complete IT 3 - a package of services designed exclusively for the SMB without IT support. ThinkPlus Complete IT combines a comprehensive set of services including priority call routing and one-stop hardware and software support with the best of ThinkPlus Secure Business.

Pricing and Availability: The ThinkPad SL400 and SL500 notebooks are available in all Lenovo authorized storefronts. The current product price starts from Rs 47000/-