Jim, Re: " Maybe sub $1000 is finally getting to Dell?"
Maybe. On Tuesday, I'm also looking for their growth in servers. It has been their fastest growing segment, %-wise the last few quarters. Maybe it's slacking.
My problem with Dell is that, other than their direct, no inventory model and all Intel, they have no differentiators from the other boxmakers. Anyone can put boxes together. Duplicate their no inventory model and you've got them. OK, I'm sure they'll say their quicker turnaround times and customer service are great, too. WRT differentiators in the workstation/server market, SGI has come out with a completely new motherboard/system workstation design that sets them apart in performance. IBM is doing their own copper chipsets, mobos and software with tons of RAS to support Intel server chips in unique servers that will give Sun, and their own medium/large servers a run for their money. Dell does nothing except slap the box together. Maybe some development prejudice showing through here, but, still, too much me too will ultimately catch up with you, and I've always felt that that's Dell.
Oh, yes, Compaq does unique servers, too, based on Alpha, but I wonder how they sell.
Tony |
