The world`s two biggest personal computer makers are locked in a pricey struggle over which can move away from the PC business the fastest.

Computer maker Hewlett Packard (HP) has launched a $1.6bn (£1bn) bid for data storage firm 3PAR, trumping a $1.2bn offer made by rival Dell last week.

HP said that, if its offer was accepted, the deal should be closed by the end of the year.

Analysts said the battle between two of the world`s three largest computer makers to gain control of 3PAR showed their determination to move into so-called cloud computing - technology that allows access to data servers over the internet.

BDST: 1415 HRS, 24 August 2010