PC maker HP (Hewlett Packard) has revealed plans to shift into the cloud computing market. CEO Leo Apotheker says that Hewlett Packard will generate its own internet services and create an app store, for businesses and consumers.

The focal point on such online facilities is seen by forecasters as an attempt by Hewlett Packard to catch up with competitors such as IBM and Apple. Mr. Apotheker also asserted that Hewlett Packard was aiming to increase earnings and dividends.

In Feb, Hewlett Packard registered lower-than-anticipated sales growth for the final quarter of 2010. Outlining his enduring vision for the firm, Mr. Apotheker declared that the recently revealed TouchPad would be released in June. The TouchPad is part of the company's policy to create inroads into the tablet marketplace established, in part, by the Apple iPad.