Tech: In what should enhance technical and trouble shooting support for technological devices in Bhutan, Hewlett-Packard (HP) has partnered with a local company Yangkhor IT Solutions, to provide after sales services in Thimphu.

As the company is also involved in the education sector, it has also chosen to sponsor the training of 10 IT graduates annually, starting this year.

HP business manager for Bhutan, Kazi Shohidul Islam, said that 10 IT graduates will be trained locally by Yangkhor IT Solutions.

He said that they will be trained in technical IT skills focusing on products and solutions. The training will take between six months to one year.

Upon completion, the partnership company will employ those that meet their criteria. They will serve as HP representatives in Bhutan.

He added that HP will provide its local partner with the required certification and technical knowledge so that it can provide IT support for large organisations in the government and private sector.

He said that the company will provide services and support solutions for services like cloud computing, servers, and security, among others. He added that HP has also asked its local partner to establish a centre in Phuentsholing by this or next year. “HP is very focused for this market,” he said.

Yangkhor IT Solution’s Phub Gyeltshen said that the current trend is for foreign IT companies to come to Bhutan, market their products and supply it. He said that with IT skills lacking in the country, after sales support and a local point of contact is usually a problem.

Phub Gyeltshen said that with HP’s entrance, this problem should be addressed. The partnership is expected to not only benefit users of information communications technology, but to strengthen the IT sector in Bhutan, said Phub Gyeltshen.

By Gyalsten K Dorji