HP is launching a new subscription management service for small and mid-sized businesses that aims to streamline Microsoft cloud licensing.

The PC and printer company launched the HP Subscription Management Service, which enables smaller enterprises to manage costs and usage of SaaS applications.

HP's subscription management offering provides license management for Microsoft 365 and the software giant's cloud catalog. HP also provides analytics and usage data by user, department and geography so IT teams can shift and scale subscriptions. Apple last week also announced an SMB service aimed at making its hardware easier to manage. 

In addition to right-sizing subscriptions, HP Subscription Management secures remote work applications, optimizes them and provides ongoing checks. The service also has license inventory data as well as spending trends.

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HP Subscription Management will be available in the US in the first quarter of 2022 and available in France, UK, Germany and Chile by the end of 2021.

HP's Subscription Management is the headliner amid other offerings. Hardware vendors are increasingly offering as-a-service models while adding other services. Among the other services news from HP:

• HP Enablement Service for Windows Autopilot. HP's Windows Autopilot automates new device setup via the Web and a self-service experience. SMBs can provision new Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices via Windows Autopilot, which is available now.
• HP Proactive Insights Experience Management, a service available by the end of 2021, will make it easier for IT teams to gauge employee sentiment and perceptions. The offering was developed with Nexthink, a digital employee experience management software firm.
• Upgrades to HP Proactive Insights to offer security, system stability and performance optimizations via automated updates.