Products
Dell designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports a wide range
of computer systems that are customized to customer requirements. These include
enterprise systems (servers, storage, networking products, and workstations),
client systems (notebook and desktop computer systems), printing and imaging
systems, and software and peripherals.
Servers. Dell’s standards-based PowerEdgeTM line of servers is designed to
provide customers affordable performance, reliability, and scalability. Options
include high performance rack and tower servers for enterprise customers and
aggressively priced tower and appliance servers for small organizations and
networks. Dell ranks number one in the U.S. and number two worldwide in shipments
of x86 servers (based on standard Intel architecture).
Storage. Dell/ EMCTM and Dell’s PowerVaultTM lines of storage products offer
customers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective hardware and software
solutions to protect customer data. Dell offers external storage, tape backup
products, network attached storage, fibre channel arrays, storage area networks,
and rack solutions.
Networking Products. Dell’s PowerConnectTM switches are standards-based network
switches that connect computers and servers in small- to medium-sized networks.
PowerConnect products offer customers enterprise-class features and reliability
at a low cost. Dell introduced the PowerConnect line of network switches in
the third quarter of fiscal 2002.
Workstations. Dell offers the Dell PrecisionTM desktop workstation and the
Dell Precision mobile workstation. These products are intended for professional
users who demand exceptional performance to run sophisticated applications,
such as three-dimensional computer-aided design, digital content creation, geographic
information systems, computer animation, software development, and financial
analysis. In calendar 2003, Dell held the number one position in the U.S. and
worldwide for branded workstation unit shipments.
Notebook Computers. Dell offers two lines of notebook computer systems. The
LatitudeTM line of notebooks is designed to address a wide range of business
and organizational needs, including powerful performance, portability, and flexibility.
Latitude offerings range from wireless-ready, highly expandable full-featured
models to thin, light ultra-portable models. The InspironTM line of notebooks
is targeted to customers who require high-performance computer systems at aggressive
prices. Typical customers are individuals or small-to-medium sized businesses
that require optimum performance for their investment.
Desktop Computer Systems. Dell offers two lines of desktop computer systems.
The OptiPlexTM line of desktop systems is designed for corporate, institutional,
and small business customers who demand highly-reliable, stable, manageable,
and easily serviced systems within networked environments. The DimensionTM line
of desktop systems is designed for small businesses and home users requiring
fast technology turns and high-performance computing. The Dimension product
line typically features the latest high-performance components. Dimension customers
include corporate and institutional customers as well as small businesses and
home users.
Printing and Imaging Systems. Dell offers a wide array of Dell-branded printers,
ranging from consumer inkjets to large workgroup lasers. The Dell printer product
line is focused on making printing easier to buy, easier to own, and easier
to use. All Dell printers feature the Dell Ink Management SystemTM or Dell Toner
Management SystemTM, which simplifies the purchasing process by displaying ink
or toner levels on the status window during every print job and proactively
prompting users to order replacement cartridges directly from Dell. During fiscal
2004, Dell launched its branded printer line and shipped almost two million
Dell-branded printers.
Software and Peripheral Products. Dell offers a multitude of competitively
priced software and peripheral products including those from leading manufacturers.
Products offered include software, monitors, printers, handhelds, notebook accessories,
networking and wireless products, memory, digital cameras, projectors, and scanners.
During fiscal 2004, Dell announced several new Dell peripheral products, including
power adaptors, LCD televisions, and MP3 players.
Services
By applying the direct model to its services business, Dell seeks to simplify
customers’ computing experience by offering a full range of flexible, tailored
solutions. Dell offers a portfolio of services that help maximize information
technology (“IT”), rapidly deploy systems, and educate IT professionals and
consumers.
Managed Services. Dell Managed Services offers customers a wide range of IT
management services. These services allow customers to lower annual service
costs and enhance system performance without sacrificing control of their IT
systems. Dell Managed Services assists customers in planning, deployment, maintenance,
asset management, on-site field services, and other related services.
Professional Services. Dell Professional Services offers services to help businesses
utilize emerging technology, enhance efficiencies, reduce business risk, and
maximize return on technology investment. Using its expertise and best practices
in technology consulting, application development, solutions integration, and
infrastructure design, Dell designs, develops, and implements end-to-end technology
solutions.
Deployment Services. Dell’s deployment services are designed to rapidly configure
and deploy Dell systems and products into IT environments. Dell’s custom factory
integration services allow customers to configure systems to meet their specific
hardware and software needs. Additional deployment services include asset management
and recovery services, custom delivery services, installation services, managed
deployment services, and image management services.
Support Services. Dell Support Services helps maximize the value and performance
of customer technology, while minimizing expense and inconvenience. Offering
a variety of customized services and support programs tailored to meet specific
customer requirements, Dell’s support ranges from remote software and enterprise
support to on-site support. For example, for enterprise customers, Dell offers
four tiers of service through Enterprise Support for server and storage systems,
ranging from comprehensive around-the-clock support for mission-critical systems
to next business day on-site support for non mission-critical systems. For customers
in the U.S., Dell’s Total Satisfaction Policy currently allows customers to
return desktop and notebook systems to Dell for any reason within 30 days of
purchase. In addition, Dell provides a limited warranty for all computer systems
for a period generally ranging from 90 days to three years and offers 24 hour
telephone and online technical support. Dell also offers warranty upgrades and
services such as CompleteCare accidental damage protection, At Home Service
for technical support service at home or work, Express Tech Support for priority
access to Dell’s technical support team, and home installation services.
Training and Certification Services. Dell offers training and certification
programs for business and consumer customers worldwide. Dell’s online training
programs feature over 1,200 courses for consumer, business, and IT professionals.
The courses are designed for all skill levels and range from personal finance
to business productivity to IT certification. For enterprise customers, Dell
offers Dell service technician training and system administration training and
certification (both on-site and at Dell labs) through Dell Certification Programs.
These programs provide system administrators and technicians the ability to
learn the intricacies of Dell equipment both before and after installation to
allow customers to maximize their return on investment.
Financial Services
Dell offers various financing alternatives, asset management services, and
other customer financial services for its business and consumer customers in
the U.S. through Dell Financial Services L.P. (“DFS”), a joint venture between
Dell and CIT Group, Inc. (“CIT”). For government, some small businesses, and
international customers, Dell partners with a variety of third-party financial
services companies to offer financial services.