I haven't dug into Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) too deeply lately but I'm hearing noises that investors are beginning to get just a bit impatient with it. That's a bit odd to me considering that Dell has recorded anywhere from 13% to 17% growth for the year 2006. Dell has changed the position of Don Carty and I am yet to see exactly what it is saying in support of that choice. I don't find the placement of Carty to be a strange thing. What I do find a tiny bit curious is the recent quietness from Dell. We need for them to outline its game plan. I want some facts about where it's going and how it plans to get there. The market analysts seem to be saying that Dell needs to expand its marketing attack. What are Dell's plans?
I have long been a fan of Dell. I like the company and I like its products. I'm writing this blog piece on a Dell computer right now. I plan for my next computer to be a Dell also. When I bought this machine I got a lot more than I bargained for. Dell has replaced my modem twice. The first time it turned out that the problem was the fault of my (former) ISP. Dell helped us figure that out. The second modem the company replaced was due to a lightening strike. The fantastic part is this, neither replacement cost me a penny. Dell has gone the extra mile for me, to the point that I sometimes wonder if it made any money on this machine. The fact of the matter is this, Dell has unquestionably won my loyalty. That's one heck of a good way to do business.
Now Dell, toss us a bone here. We want to know what you're up to. It's pretty obvious that the majority of the shareholders don't want things to continue in business-as-usual mode. At least that's what I'm hearing. What's up? Where are you directing your attack?
In an article I read at the Information Week website, Reuters reported on Dec.25 2006 that Dell plans to increase its design operations in Japan. That's nothing new. Dell has been growing its design team there since 2002. Dell will also be releasing a new line with Windows Vista in January which is expected to give some lift to sales, but I don't think that's the kind of change that investors are looking for. I sent off a personal email to Dell media relations asking if they could give me any insight into Dell's future marketing attack. We'll see what they have to tell me.
I've been doing some research and digging into Dell to learn what I can. Hopefully, I can get a handle on what the company's plans are. I have a sneaking suspicion it could be, or should be, up to something good.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-27-2006 @ 10:25PM
Glenn Cairns said...
Like you, I am a Dell fan. We have 3 Dell desktops, a handheld Dell PC and a Dell 6000 lap top. My older daughter broke ranks only because Dell didnt have something in the power/size/weight range of the Sony Vaio. Dell's financing plan is outstanding and Dell has gotten easier to deal with over the last five years, not more difficult. Only negative - Dell doesnt treat me like a great customer - each purchase is like starting over. Do they know I'm a big Dell fan? I'm guessing they don't.