Dell Computer is seeking alliances with mom-and-pop shops to further its growth in the PC market.
This week, Dell will begin offering a special, low-price desktop PC to distributors that cater to small businesses, typically companies with less than 100 employees, the company confirmed Tuesday.
Generally methinks ya get what ya pay for.... anyone for a brand, spanking new 386? LOL :P BTW can I not add "cheeky" as the mood for this news post?
The Texas-based PC maker is embarking on the new plan as a way to enter the "white box" market, which it estimates to be worth about $3 billion. White-box PC sales have grown quietly over the last five years to represent roughly 30 percent of the market, according to a recent IDC report. These PCs are assembled by small outfits ranging in size from one-person or family-owned shops to larger, regional PC sellers.
By offering the PCs to distributors, Dell essentially joins the party, allowing the companies to sell a $499 unbranded computer as they would if they"d made it themselves. Meanwhile, Dell can offer the dealers discounts, favorable leasing terms and other sales incentives, representatives said.