Larry,
Hi!!
Does it come down to something this simple?
DELL has always been focused on DELL...and the others, once they realized the true power of DELL's efficiency and model, have been trying to focus on DELL... :o)
Many times we've all heard the comments concerning DELL's lack of R&D...DELL built a company that quickly takes the top shelf, hot off the press R&D from the best available technologies and then slides it into a product...Through partnerships and pre-arranged efficient agreements DELL passes the cost savings along to the consumer...DELL can also produce this product in a blink...DELL's "R&D" has always been geared to creating a product that will meet the needs of the customer...Their immediate needs that is...And, it just so happens that they patent the means...The walls at some of the DELL facilities are filled with such patents...As Meathead accurately depicted: "The other bloated R&D budgets"...What a head start!
And, if cost isn't the consideration...And, many companies could care less about the hardware costs...They are elated to know that when they do business with DELL they will be "brought inside DELL"...DELL services, IMO are driving a significant portion of their hardware sales...Let's face it, what company would not like DELL to show them how to be more efficient?
Back in 99 I had the chance to "sneak into" an event where DELL was demonstrating all their hardware to corporate IT executives...For the day I was the Ciba Giga IT exec... :o) Had the chance to meet and then hear Michael talk to everyone...Michael knew who I was but these IT guys didn't...But, more importantly I got a chance to mingle with these IT guys...Larry, they were telling me that when DELL could "handle" the larger accounts through a service contract that DELL was gettin' all the business...I need not remind you that there wasn't one of them that reaaaallly knew who I was...What an education it was for me...
Larry, it's over and really has been for a long time...If you have a chance get a copy of the WSJ from yesterday...Bill sent me the article on HP and why they should cut and run now...The author's reasoning is quite compelling...Not just another suggestion...
Best, Kemble |
