Analysis of the history of Dell computers: The company was founded in 1984 by Michael Dell, now the longest-serving CEO in the computer industry, with a simple concept: by selling personal computer systems directly to customers, Dell could better understand their needs and provide the most effective IT solutions to meet those needs. Today, Dell is enhancing and expanding the core competitive advantages of the direct model by increasingly applying the efficiencies of the Internet across its entire business. The company's revenue over the past four quarters was $19.9 billion. Through the direct business model, Dell offers in-person relationships with corporate and institutional customers; telephone and Internet purchases (the latter now exceed 18 million dollars a day); customized computer systems; telephone and online technical support; and next-day on-site product support. Dell arranges system installation and management, guides customers through technology transitions, and provides a wide range of other services. The company designs and customizes products and services to the needs of organizations and the individuals who purchase them, and sells a broad selection of peripheral hardware and computer software. Nearly two-thirds of Dell's sales are to large corporations, government agencies and educational institutions. Dell also serves medium and small businesses and home PC users. Dell's unique direct model: Dell's award-winning customer service, industry-leading growth, and consistently high financial performance differentiate the company from its competitors for the following reasons: Price for performance: Through the process of sourcing, manufacturing and most efficient delivery in the industry, Dell offers its customers powerful, richly configured systems at competitive prices. Customization: Every Dell system is made to order. Customers get exactly what they want. Reliability, Service and Support: Dell uses insights gained from direct customer contact before and after sales to provide award-winning reliability and tailored customer service. Latest technology: Dell introduces the latest technologies much faster than companies with slow indirect distribution channels. Dell renews inventory every six days on average, keeping inventory costs low. Superior Shareholder Value – Over the last four quarters, the value of Dell common stock has nearly doubled. From 1996 to 1998, Dell was the best-performing stock among Standard & Poor's 500. Internet Leadership Sales through Dell's Web site exceeded $18 million per day in early 1999, representing 30 percent of overall revenue. The company's application of the Internet to other areas of the business, including procurement, customer service and relationship management, is approaching the same rate as 30%.

Topic > Analysis of the history of Dell computers: The company was founded in 1984 by Michael Dell, now the longest-serving CEO in the computer industry, with a simple concept: by selling personal computer systems directly to customers, Dell could better understand their needs and provide the most effective IT solutions to meet those needs. Today, Dell is enhancing and expanding the core competitive advantages of the direct model by increasingly applying the efficiencies of the Internet across its entire business. The company's revenue over the past four quarters was $19.9 billion. Through the direct business model, Dell offers in-person relationships with corporate and institutional customers; telephone and Internet purchases (the latter now exceed 18 million dollars a day); customized computer systems; telephone and online technical support; and next-day on-site product support. Dell arranges system installation and management, guides customers through technology transitions, and provides a wide range of other services. The company designs and customizes products and services to the needs of organizations and the individuals who purchase them, and sells a broad selection of peripheral hardware and computer software. Nearly two-thirds of Dell's sales are to large corporations, government agencies and educational institutions. Dell also serves medium and small businesses and home PC users. Dell's unique direct model: Dell's award-winning customer service, industry-leading growth, and consistently high financial performance differentiate the company from its competitors for the following reasons: Price for performance: Through the process of sourcing, manufacturing and most efficient delivery in the industry, Dell offers its customers powerful, richly configured systems at competitive prices. Customization: Every Dell system is made to order. Customers get exactly what they want. Reliability, Service and Support: Dell uses insights gained from direct customer contact before and after sales to provide award-winning reliability and tailored customer service. Latest technology: Dell introduces the latest technologies much faster than companies with slow indirect distribution channels. Dell renews inventory every six days on average, keeping inventory costs low. Superior Shareholder Value – Over the last four quarters, the value of Dell common stock has nearly doubled. From 1996 to 1998, Dell was the best-performing stock among Standard & Poor's 500. Internet Leadership Sales through Dell's Web site exceeded $18 million per day in early 1999, representing 30 percent of overall revenue. The company's application of the Internet to other areas of the business, including procurement, customer service and relationship management, is approaching the same rate as 30%.