Free Music Downloads from Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters Now Available at the Dell Lounge

Fans of Billy Bob Thornton can get an exclusive sneak peek at the hillbilly rocker’s latest music at the Dell Lounge.

Stream videos that tell the story behind Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters and score free MP3 downloads at the Dell Lounge.

Ten free downloads are rotating two at a time through the Dell Lounge until March 11 – so visit often.

A 10-track digital release, will be available for purchase exclusively through the Dell Lounge starting March 11. Visitors can purchase individual tracks or the entire album at a discounted price until March 31. See the band perform live at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival March 11.

Started by Billy Bob Thornton and GRAMMY -winning engineer/guitarist J.D. Andrew, The Boxmasters feature Billy Bob Thornton on lead vocals, background vocals, drums and tambourine; J.D Andrew on rhythm electric, acoustic guitar, bass and background vocals; Mike Butler on lead guitar and lap steel; and Marty Rifkin on steel guitar.

The Dell Lounge delivers both the music and the story, enriching the consumer experience by connecting them more closely to the artist.

Dell Launches Assessment And Consulting Services To Help Customers Rapidly Analyze And Deploy Storage Environments

Dell today introduced the Dell Storage Simplification Assessments portfolio, a globally-consistent set of offerings designed to simplify the evaluation and selection of storage, backup, recovery and archiving environments. The new offerings will help customers improve the management and scalability of their storage and backup infrastructure while helping them cope with the dramatic increase in the volume of data in traditional and virtualized settings.

• New offerings can speed evaluation to days, not weeks
• Enterprise-level assessments now practical for mid-market

A departure from the industry’s traditional storage and backup consulting approach, Dell Assessment services can deliver information to the customer in days, instead of weeks, by leveraging non-disruptive tools and processes. The offers provide a technical and operational inventory of customers’ environments and help them more rapidly decide which solution will best meet their needs.

“The combination of Dell’s recent storage acquisitions and this new global services delivery makes it very clear that Dell is focused on helping customers address storage growth along the path to simplifying IT,” said Doug Chandler, research director, Infrastructure Services, IDC. “The steps Dell is taking to provide an end-to-end storage portfolio that simplifies the storage market for customers are compelling.”

The Storage Simplification Assessments portfolio includes the following options:

• The Storage for Server Virtualization Assessment helps customers quickly evaluate their existing storage infrastructure to help ensure data is properly managed in virtualized environments.
• The Backup, Restore and Archive Assessment analyzes an organization’s entire backup and restoration environment and helps to proactively address recovery time objectives
  The Data Management and Storage Technology Assessment provides customers with a detailed analysis of their existing storage infrastructure in order to determine the storage technologies needed to meet their business needs.

“After experiencing strong business growth, we had serious issues managing our 15TB storage and backup environment,” said Richard Sacre, IT director, John Brown Publishing. “By leveraging Dell’s Storage Simplification Assessment portfolio, we were able to more fully understand existing issues and identify how data was being utilized within our organization. As a result, we have completely redesigned our storage and backup infrastructure to allow for high speed file serving, immediate access to archived data and improved scalability that will allow us to focus on growing our business.”

“For many customers, storage infrastructure has become unnecessarily difficult to manage,” said Paul Kaeley, Storage Consulting Practice Leader, Dell. “Dell's new Storage Simplification assessments identify the core issues driving complexity and provide a path to simplifying customers’ storage and backup environments.”

Dell’s Storage Simplification Assessments are available immediately through Dell and will be offered to Dell Registered Partners looking to enhance storage consulting, deployment and integration capabilities.

Dell to Acquire Leading SaaS E-Mail Continuity, Compliance and Archiving Company MessageOne

Dell has signed a definitive agreement to acquire MessageOne, Inc., an industry leader in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) enabled enterprise-class e-mail business continuity, compliance, archiving and disaster recovery services. The acquisition, for approximately $155 million in cash, has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

• Critical Building Block to Dell’s Growing Portfolio of Enterprise-Class Configurable SaaS Services
• Simplifies and Helps Ensure Continuity for Most Widely Used Application – E-mail

MessageOne’s suite of services helps eliminate the downtime and complexity associated with managing, archiving, e-discovery, and long-term storage of e-mail.

“This is a valuable acquisition for Dell. MessageOne’s offerings add key capabilities to our growing SaaS-enabled services portfolio for the most critical application to businesses of any size – e-mail,” said Steve Schuckenbrock, president, Dell Global Services, and chief information officer. “MessageOne’s services not only meet the needs of large companies – with an impressive roster of existing Fortune-500 customers and marquee partners as proof points – but can also scale down cost effectively to meet the needs of small and medium business customers.”

A leader in the industry, MessageOne brings to Dell world-class technology and talent that will broaden Dell’s configurable services offerings. The company plans to make MessageOne offerings available after close to both direct customers and channel partners.
Dell’s services strategy is focused on providing customers and partners a configurable SaaS suite of mission-critical capabilities that span primary business functions such as e-mail. MessageOne’s e-mail business continuity and compliance offerings complement recent Dell SaaS acquisitions and expand on the company’s ProSupport offerings of configurable services announced last week.

Acquisition Background

The acquisition of MessageOne is a valuable addition to Dell’s SaaS suite, and in line with its business strategy.

The Dell Board of Directors took a number of additional steps as part of the acquisition process because the transaction involves related parties. MessageOne was co-founded by Adam Dell, Michael Dell’s brother, and is owned in part by two investment funds, Impact Venture Partners and Impact Entrepreneurs Fund, managed by Adam Dell. Michael Dell, Susan Dell, a trust for the Dell’s minor children, and Mr. Dell’s parents are also investors in the Impact funds. Adam Dell also serves as MessageOne’s non-executive chairman of the board.

“We recognized as we began considering a potential acquisition of MessageOne that related-party interests existed and that this required a series of measures designed to ensure that the transaction was considered, analyzed, negotiated and approved objectively and independently,” said Don Carty, Dell CFO and vice chairman. “The process that our Board of Directors put in place provided the high degree of independence and diligence required in this circumstance,” said Mr. Carty.

To ensure objectivity and transparency:

• Michael Dell was excluded from negotiating acquisition terms and from all aspects of the decision-making process.
• The independent members of Dell’s board of directors (excluding Michael Dell and Don Carty) explored and analyzed in detail the process by which management identified, proposed, analyzed and negotiated the acquisition to ensure that management was acting independently and in the best interests of Dell Inc. and its shareholders.
• The Dell board received an opinion from Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated to the effect that, as of Feb. 11, 2008 and based upon and subject to the matters stated in its opinion, the consideration to be paid by Dell pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to Dell Inc.

Following this process and after consideration of the relationships and the interests of Michael Dell, Adam Dell and members of the Dell family, the independent members of the Dell board concluded that the transaction was fair to, and in the best interests of, Dell Inc. and its shareholders and approved the transaction.

It is currently expected that, when the Impact funds distribute the acquisition consideration to their partners, Adam Dell will receive approximately $970,000; Michael Dell, Susan Dell and their children’s trust, collectively, will receive approximately $12 million; and Mr. Dell’s parents will receive approximately $450,000.

Michael and Susan Dell have indicated that the proceeds that they and their children’s trust receive from the acquisition will be donated to charity.

Dell Breaks the Mold of Traditional Support

Breaking the mold of traditional, one size fits all, services offerings, Dell today launched Dell ProSupport, a globally consistent, customer-driven support offering that spans Dell’s commercial product and solutions portfolios. Dell has distilled more than 10 service offerings down to two customizable packages with flexible options for service level and proactive management.

• Innovations Enable Customers To Tailor Services to Fit Their Business
• Globally Consistent Offering Advances Service Quality and Simplifies IT

For the first time, Dell customers can customize and tailor services to fit their technical expertise. Competitive portfolios are unnecessarily complicated and force customers to select from a generic set of options that are less easily adaptable. Dell’s ProSupport offerings are available through the channel and address the specific needs of channel partners and their customers.

“Our customers and partners asked us to break the mold of 'one size fits all' reactive support to help them meet the needs of increasingly diverse, global, and mission critical IT operations,” said Steve Schuckenbrock, president, Global Services, and CIO, Dell. “Dell listened and acted. ProSupport delivers important new features and capabilities that make it easier to get the right support package at the right time in the right way. ProSupport is an important step forward in enabling our customers and partners to tap into a world-class service delivery capability that end-users need—and toward Dell’s broader vision to simplify IT.”

ProSupport offerings include:

• ProSupport for IT, an offering designed for technical experts, includes 24/7 support options such as Fast-Track Dispatch, a service that speeds resolution for certified IT professionals by quickly dispatching parts and Dell technicians to their location.

For organizations without a dedicated IT department, such as some small- to medium-sized businesses:

• ProSupport for End-Users includes how-to software and collaborative support for common applications and tasks such as Microsoft Windows Small Business Server, Intuit QuickBooks and wireless access configuration. Additionally, direct access to certified technicians in the Dell Expert Center help customers focus on their business, not their IT.

“ProSupport shows that Dell has responded to its customers’ feedback," said Matt Healey, research manager, Hardware Support Services, IDC. “This portfolio gives customers the flexibility to select the right support package for their level of technical expertise and the needs of their organization. I believe this is a positive step for Dell and its customers.”

ProSupport goes beyond reactive problem resolution and hardware support to include proactive management. With the right options, customers can reduce technical incidents by as much as 37 percent and critical downtime by as much as 48 percent. As organizations increasingly rely upon standards-based equipment to empower people and processes, Dell ProSupport also delivers new levels of quality and choice by offering modular options and recommended solutions to address daily IT challenges. Options for mission critical data centers, mobile/remote sales teams and virtualized environments provide proactive support while helping to simplify everyday operations.

“We have been extremely satisfied with the level of support Dell has delivered over the years, and we’re very excited about the flexibility and additional functionality ProSupport offers,” said Tim Maliyil, president of Data Guard Systems. “The best technology experience is when we don’t have to deal with technical support at all. The proactive features of ProSupport get us much closer to that ideal state.”

New Dell EqualLogic Solutions Simplify Storage

Just days after closing its EqualLogic acquisition, Dell today begins worldwide delivery of next-generation iSCSI storage area network (SAN) arrays – the Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Series. Detailed product information is available at dell.com/equallogic.

• Easy to Install, Manage and Grow


• Ideal for Virtual Infrastructures

“We are committed to simplifying IT and EqualLogic will help us realize that vision for our customers worldwide,” said Michael Dell, chairman and CEO, Dell. “Together, Dell and EqualLogic will deliver storage and server virtualization solutions that enable customers of any size to build resilient, flexible data-centers.”

Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Series storage arrays share a revolutionary architecture to serve as the backbone of virtual data-centers. This dynamic architecture can deliver advanced storage functionality, simultaneous scaling of performance with capacity and enterprise-class management for one upfront price - eliminating upsells and hidden licensing fees. Using the iSCSI interconnect, the Dell EqualLogic architecture creates a flexible, virtualized environment for dynamic volume creation and movement, thin provisioning, scalability, remote replication, and easy interoperability within any IP-based data-centre.

“Networked storage has been too complex for too long. Dell EqualLogic helps solve that problem,” said Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager. “This is virtualized, consolidated storage that is self-managing, affordable and easy to use, regardless of scale. We’re automating complex tasks, enabling fast and flexible provisioning while seamlessly integrating into the existing IT network. That’s simplifying IT and this is the future of storage.”

According to IDC, shipments of iSCSI-based storage solutions will increase 138 percent annually over the next five years. “This is twice the growth we’re seeing in the worldwide disk storage systems market,” said Benjamin Woo, vice president, Enterprise Storage Systems at IDC.

“Customers are turning to iSCSI as an easier way to integrate and manage their data-centre environments. With its investment in EqualLogic and the expansion of its overall storage portfolio, Dell is clearly positioning itself to go after this trend.”

Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Series Attributes

• iSCSI Interconnectivity – utilizes the IP protocol to enable fully virtualized storage arrays and storage networks that work seamlessly in the IP data-centre.


• Virtualization in the Array – built-in virtualization architecture provides extensive flexibility, intelligent automation of routine processes and on-the-fly performance optimization that responds to application demands.


• Modular Scalability – each modular storage array is a complete SAN; as arrays are added to a group, storage performance grows linearly, network bandwidth expands and the group continues to behave as one virtual SAN.


• Advanced Storage Management – built-in enterprise-class storage management capabilities, including remote replication and thin provisioning.


• Configurable for Capacity/Performance – configure each array for the desired ratio of capacity to performance; create multiple tiers of SAS and SATA-based storage in a single SAN, and optimize each tier for the applications it serves.

Dell Focuses on Direct and Retail Business, Closes Kiosks in U.S.

The Dell Direct Store model, which began in 2002, enabled customers to touch and feel Dell products before purchasing systems direct from the company. In the past six months the company has adopted a retail strategy that enables Dell to connect with customers it has not necessarily reached in the past. Dell is applying the advantages of its direct business model into retail where customers can purchase laptop and desktop computers in more than 10,000 retail outlets worldwide.

“Moving into retail is a prime example of Dell listening to its customers,” said Tony Weiss, vice president for Dell’s Global Consumer business. “Ever since we began our journey into retail, we wanted to give customers the opportunity to call, click, or visit Dell and have access to our award-winning products. This move fits in with how our broad global retail strategy is evolving.”

In addition to its global retail business, Dell is committed to its direct business, where a majority of customers choose to shop on the phone and via the Internet to buy laptops, desktops and associated products. The kiosks outside the U.S. are not affected with the changes the company is making today.

Dell Completes EqualLogic Acquisition

Dell today announced the completion of its $1.4 billion acquisition of EqualLogic, a leading provider of high-performance storage area network (SAN) solutions designed for virtualization and ease-of-use. The purchase extends Dell’s leadership in simplifying IT for customers and partners. For additional information, click on dell.com/storage.

“Virtualization and iSCSI are two keys to simplifying IT,” said Michael Dell, chairman and CEO, Dell. “Enterprises are creating data and consuming power at an exponential rate, driving up IT cost and complexity. What we did for PCs and servers we are now going to do for storage. Together with our PartnerDirect channel, we will unleash the power of iSCSI and virtualization to make storing and processing data easier and more affordable.”

“Customers face extreme challenges with data growth,” said Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager, Dell storage. “Their ideal solution is secure storage that uses existing infrastructure, installs in minutes not days, manages itself, grows easily as needs increase and plugs into the virtualized IT ecosystem. That’s EqualLogic. And that’s the incredible value we will deliver to customers.”

EqualLogic Expands Dell PartnerDirect

Dell plans to preserve and build on EqualLogic’s successful channel program in addition to offering products directly from Dell. Starting today in the United States and ultimately around the world, current EqualLogic partners will be enrolled into PartnerDirect and eligible for Dell’s newest certification - Enterprise Architecture. Dell modeled its certification requirements and benefits on EqualLogic’s widely-regarded channel program and include access to Dell’s full server and storage product lines.

“The channel is critical to our go-to-market strategy, and we are committed to our partners’ continued success,” said Bob Skelley, director Americas Channel Group. “This is just the beginning. Dell will continue to innovate and differentiate to earn the business of our channel partners.”

In addition to standard benefits offered through PartnerDirect - deal registration, pre- and post-sale support, partner financing and access to Dell’s partner e-commerce site, partners certified in Enterprise Architecture will be able to take advantage of:

• Free training (once only available to Dell’s direct sales force) for proficiency in Dell’s full enterprise product line, as well as EqualLogic;
• EqualLogic’s same competitive pricing model; and
• Lead generation and marketing incentive funds.

Dell and Microsoft Launch (PRODUCT) RED Branded Products to Help Eliminate AIDS in Africa

Dell and Microsoft Corp. will offer customers a simple way to make a difference in the fight against AIDS in Africa through the purchase of unique (PRODUCT) RED branded personal computers and a printer. Adding to the premium experience, all Dell (PRODUCT) RED PCs are powered by Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED. Dell is the exclusive partner for PCs and peripherals of (PRODUCT) RED.

Dell (PRODUCT) RED products are now available at Best Buy stores throughout the United States by the end of the week. They also will be available through Dell in nearly 30 additional countries.

(RED), launched in 2006, is a brand designed to engage business and consumer power in the fight against AIDS in Africa. To date, (RED) partners have contributed more than $57 million to the Global Fund based on the sale of (PRODUCT) RED products. (RED) funds are at work on the ground in Rwanda, Swaziland and Ghana.

With each purchase of a (PRODUCT) RED branded Dell personal computer including Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED, Dell and Microsoft will make a combined contribution of $50 to $80 – depending on the PC purchased – to the Global Fund. Purchase of a Dell (PRODUCT) RED printer generates a $5 Dell contribution. One hundred percent of the funds contributed go to Global Fund-financed grants in Africa.

An $80 contribution generated by the choice of a Dell (PRODUCT) RED all-in-one PC with Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED is equivalent to more than six months of life-saving antiretroviral treatment for an individual living with AIDS in Africa.
"The computer has revolutionized our lives; the (RED) Dell Microsoft partnership goes a step further with PCs which channel money to the Global Fund," said Bono, co-founder of (RED). "It's a truly beautiful idea - that the purchase of a stylish PC can put someone on lifesaving ARV treatment for six months."

Dell (PRODUCT) RED products are distinguished by their vibrant red color and accents, and distinctive (PRODUCT) RED branding. All Dell (PRODUCT) RED PCs feature Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED includes six unique desktop wallpapers, a screensaver, two innovative Windows Sidebar gadgets and a (RED)-themed Windows DreamScene.

Dell (PRODUCT) RED products include:

• XPS One (PRODUCT) RED - The elegant, simple and space-saving XPS One combines multimedia computing with high style, high-definition television and entertainment, and is a distinctive addition to any room in the home. Starting at $1,599. (Purchase contributes $80 to the Global Fund)


• XPS M1330 (PRODUCT) RED - With a starting weight of just under 4 pounds and featuring an ultra-thin 0.9-inch profile, the award-winning XPS M1330 laptop features a high-definition 13.3-inch display, full-sized keyboard, built-in Wi-Fi and optional mobile broadband wireless for connecting on the go. Starting at $1,149. (Purchase contributes $50 to the Global Fund)


• XPS M1530 (PRODUCT) RED - The XPS M1530 is a sleek and stylish 15.4-inch laptop that is loaded with premium features like built-in webcam and fingerprint reader, and design accents like touch-sensitive multi-media buttons and brushed aluminum accents. Starting at $1,149. (Purchase contributes $50 to the Global Fund)


• 948 All-in-One Printer (PRODUCT) RED – The 948 printer features easy-to-use fax, scan, copy and print functions and photo printing options – available with or without connection to a computer. Starting at $149. (Purchase contributes $5 to the Global Fund).

“The RED campaign is making a tangible difference in the lives of people living with AIDS in Africa,” said Michael Dell, Dell chairman and CEO. “We’ve seen what computers can do for keeping people connected, but with (RED), the sale of these products will actually help keep people alive. We couldn’t be more proud to be part of this initiative.”

“The combination of Microsoft, (RED) and Dell means consumers can help in the fight against AIDS in Africa by buying a great Dell PC that comes loaded with the best version of Windows Vista, with each purchase funding up to six months of life-saving drugs for someone in Africa through the Global Fund,” said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. “The (RED) business model is a powerful way for consumers to use their purchasing power to help bring about positive change in the world, and we are pleased to have Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED be an engine for that change.”

About (RED) and (PRODUCT) RED

(RED) was established to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help fight AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT) RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to finance AIDS programs in Africa, with an emphasis on the health of women and children. Current partners are: American Express (U.K. only), Apple, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Motorola, Hallmark, Dell and Windows. (RED) has generated more than $57 million for the Global Fund. (RED) money is already at work in Swaziland, Rwanda and Ghana.

Dell Opens Second European Plant To Meet Growing Customer Demand

Dell CEO Michael Dell officially opened Dell’s newest and most advanced manufacturing facility today, joining employees, customers, members of the Polish national and local governments and co-operating companies to celebrate the event. The facility locates Dell production and personalization capabilities closer to increasing numbers of consumers and businesses in Central and Eastern Europe and will significantly improve delivery times.

Locating the facility in Poland puts Dell much closer to its customers, significantly speeds delivery times and improves service to this important region. The facility represents a major investment by Dell in this region and reflects its importance to the company’s business.

Consistent with its commitment around the world to support the local community and minimize its environmental impact, Dell’s Lodz facility has a number of community projects underway. These include enabling two Lodz schools from the Widzew district to receive Dell products worth U.S. $35,000 and more than 100 Dell employees planting trees in the Lublinek forest park. This was the first stage of Dell’s ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative, which saw 130,000 trees planted in Lodz and its surrounding area last year.

“We want to be a positive influence beyond our role as an employer in the city. We plan to extend these activities in partnership with our local community and the region as a whole,” said Sean Corkery, vice president of Dell EMEA Manufacturing, who is leading the Dell Lodz facility. About Dell’s Investment in Poland

Dell’s new 37,000 square-meter manufacturing facility represents a €200 million investment (approximately U.S. $292 million). Indirect investment made by suppliers of the American corporation will reach approximately €53 million. Currently, 1,200 employees work in the facility.

Complementing the successful Ireland-based manufacturing operation, the Lodz facility will initially produce the Latitude and Inspiron laptop computers, which are customized to meet the specific needs of Dell’s business and retail customers. The location of the new factory means that Central and Eastern European and Nordic customers can expect a reduction of at least two days over current delivery times.

Dell was awarded first prize by the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency and the Warsaw Voice daily newspaper for being the top new site or “Greenfield” investor employing the highest number of people. Additionally, Dell was granted the Major Investor of the Year Award by Forbes.

Dell Blades Slash Data Center Power

Dell today set a new standard for data center energy efficiency and flexibility with the PowerEdge M-Series blade solution. The PowerEdge M-Series was designed from the ground up using Dell Energy Smart technologies, resulting in 30 industry patents, to help customers simplify information technology and better address mounting environmental challenges in their data centers. The new M1000e blade enclosure is now available worldwide for ordering with a starting price of $5,999, along with blades starting at $1,849.

• Consume up to 19 percent less energy than HP
• Deliver up to 28 percent better performance per watt than IBM
• Only Blade Solution with Snap-In Scalability, Delivering Increased Flexibility
• Ideal Platform for Virtualization and Consolidation

The PowerEdge M-Series consumes up to 19 percent less power and achieves up to 25 percent better performance per watt than the HP BladeSystem c-Class. Compared to the IBM BladeCenter H, the M-Series consumes 12 percent less energy and achieves up to 28 percent better performance per watt. Built on Dell’s Energy Smart technologies, the PowerEdge M-Series enables businesses to save on power and cooling costs while increasing server capacity. The M-Series also provides lead-free configurations, delivering a “green IT” solution that further helps customers minimize their environmental impact.

“Blade offerings have been long on promises and short on helping customers address the growing costs and complexity in their data centers,” said Brad Anderson, senior vice president, Dell Business Product Group. “The PowerEdge M-Series delivers on those promises with unmatched energy efficiency, flexibility, performance and manageability. It enables customers to achieve the compute performance they need while lowering their overall power consumption and reducing data center complexity and server sprawl.”

The PowerEdge M1000e, a 10U-sized enclosure, supports 16 blade servers. It is optimized for Dell’s PowerEdge M600 and M605 blade servers and supports up to two quad-core Intel Xeon and quad-core AMD OpteronTM processors, respectively. The M600 and M605 blade servers are 60 percent more dense than standard 1U servers, helping customers to better address data center space constraints.

Additionally, Dell’s PowerEdge M1000e delivers the industry's most advanced connectivity options designed to provide flexible, low total cost of ownership choices for almost any size data center, including:

• An upgradeable Ethernet blade switch, the Layer 3 Dell PowerConnect M6220, with four 1Gb ports and optional upgradable ports for stacking or 10Gb;
• Three Cisco Ethernet switch options, enabling customers to choose between a switch with all 1Gb ports, 1Gb ports plus stacking ports or a combination of 1Gb and 10Gb plus stacking. An Infiniband switch option from Cisco also will be available;
• Two Brocade 4Gb Fibre Channel connectivity options, allowing customers to choose between a standard FC4 switch or a low cost port aggregator that provides simplified configuration and interoperability into almost any SAN fabric;
• FC4 Host Bus Adaptors from QLogic and Emulex, as well as an Infiniband mezzanine card from Mellanox ; and
• Fibre Channel and Ethernet Pass Through options for customers with an existing switch infrastructure, including an Ethernet pass through module that can run at 10/100/1,000Mb per second.

Increased Flexibility and Investment Protection – Ideal Platform for Virtualization

Dell’s PowerEdge M-Series incorporates FlexIO switch technology, making it the only blade solution providing snap-in scalability all the way down to the switch interconnects, helping to protect and maximize a customer’s server investment by eliminating the need for wasteful “rip-and-replace” upgrades. With FlexIO switch technology, M-Series customers get the flexibility they need to efficiently design a networked blade environment that best meets their infrastructure requirements today, and easily and cost effectively add or modify network stacking and uplink capabilities as technology or business needs change.

Dell PowerEdge M-Series is the ideal platform for virtualization and enables customers to consolidate their data center operations and improve utilization without sacrificing performance. The ability to provision virtual machines and physical machines in the same blade server chassis simplifies deployment and management of a virtualized environment.

Simplified Management

Dell’s OpenManageTM systems management suite available with the PowerEdge M-Series simplifies IT with easy-to-use yet powerful management tools that help reduce the cost and complexity of managing computing resources. OpenManage provides customers with a more holistic view and greater understanding of their data center infrastructures, enabling timely, more informed IT management decisions.

Dell provides expanded management features in the M-Series at no additional cost, including:

• Centralized chassis management controllers that provide redundant, secure access paths for IT administrators to manage multiple enclosures and blades from a single console;
• Dynamic power management enabling administrators to set high/low power thresholds to help ensure blades operate within their defined power envelope;
• Real time reporting for enclosure and blade power consumption, and the ability to prioritize blade slots for power to provide optimal control over power resources; and
• Integrated KVM (keyboard/video/mouse), allowing for easy set-up, deployment and seamless integration into an existing KVM infrastructure.

Dell Simplifies Shopping Experience for Waterford Wedgwood USA

Dell today announced a retail point-of-sale (POS) systems and services agreement with Waterford Wedgwood USA to help simplify operations in each of its 40 luxury goods stores in North America.

Waterford Wedgwood USA selected Dell because of its turnkey hardware, customer support programs, comprehensive implementation services and competitive financing. Also, Dell’s sleek point-of-sale design complements Waterford Wedgwood’s premium brands and contributes to a positive customer checkout experience.

“Partnering with Dell enables us to implement the latest point-of-sale systems, giving us the ability to dramatically reduce information-technology complexity at about one quarter of the cost and at an implementation speed two times faster than if we were to make these changes on our own,” said Michael Fitch, technology manager, Waterford Wedgwood USA. “Immediately after implementing Dell’s hardware, we have calculated an estimated 90 percent reduction in support time due to Dell’s quick and reliable support services. One store has even reported payment authorization as taking place 10 times faster than before.”

Fitch also noted the combination of innovative product offerings and services aimed at simplifying IT will allow Waterford Wedgwood to serve their customers more efficiently. In addition, switching to Dell allows Waterford Wedgwood USA more flexibility to explore new and improved software that was not supported by its previous technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dell will supply Waterford Wedgwood USA with a variety of solutions including Dell OptiPlex 745s desktop computers, E157FPT touch screen panels, Dell 1815dn multi-functional laser printers and PCT 2708s PowerConnectTM switches. Additionally, Waterford Wedgwood POS images are installed during the manufacturing process and Dell On-site Services support the nationwide deployment.

“Organizations like Waterford Wedgwood understand the demands of their customers and the impact the right technology can have on their shopping experience,” said Brian Slaughter, Dell’s director of retail. “Dell’s commitment to provide technology and services that simplify information technology enables retailers of all sizes to focus on driving efficiencies in their core business and better serve the needs of their customers.”

Waterford Wedgwood USA is a subsidiary of Dublin, Ireland-based Waterford Wedgwood plc. With annual sales of nearly $1 billion, Waterford Wedgwood plc is one of the world’s largest tabletop, gift, crystal, silver and ceramics company. In addition to Waterford, the Waterford Wedgwood plc family of premium lifestyle brands includes Wedgwood, Rosenthal and Royal Doulton, Johnson Brothers, Minton, Royal Albert, W-C Designs, and exclusive design partnerships with the world’s leading designer and lifestyle brands including Versace, Jasper Conran, Vera Wang, Barbara Barry, John Rocha, Marc Jacobs, Robert Mondavi, Emeril and Gordon Ramsay.

Dell and Collexis Collaborate to Launch Biomedexperts, a Premier Online Scientific Social Network Community

"Dell believes connecting biomedical scientists through online communities will drive true innovation and progress and is critical to the future of biomedical research. BioMedExperts is a cutting-edge tool that can link researchers from around the globe and enable this new level of collaboration,” said James Coffin, Ph.D., vice president and general manager, Dell Health Care and Life Sciences. “The Collexis technology and the BioMedExperts professional community is an example of how technology can connect scientists, enabling them to attack new and more complex cross-disciplinary biological problems. This next-generation professional network platform is a prime example of how Dell works with the world’s most innovative technology companies to drive thought leadership and leading-edge research collaboration."

• Dell and Collexis Holdings, Inc., plan to launch Jan. 11 BioMedExperts – an innovative social networking community that will promote collaborative medical research and development.
• BioMedExperts will allow health care and life sciences professionals to easily connect and collaborate with each other, as well as conduct research by providing 1.4 million biomedical experts with 12 million pre-established network connections from more than 120 countries. The site also provides the ability to analyze all associated professional connections within the network and view scientific publications.
• As part of the initiative, Dell will provide computer hardware to power the Collexis-designed BioMedExperts. Dell will also provide marketing support for BioMedExperts, including co-branded marketing efforts and promotions at major life science research conferences.

Bill Kirkland, CEO of Collexis, said, “Collexis is excited about working with an industry leader like Dell, which has an intense focus on success in the life sciences market. We are also delighted to have their support in raising awareness of BioMedExperts among the growing number of biomedical researchers and health care providers who are finding online communities to be a perfect way to share, collaborate and discuss their work and discover new research opportunities. And we see this tool becoming even more valuable to researchers as we add millions of profiles during the next couple of months.”

Dell Continues to Simplify Storage for SMBs

Dell today announced the availability of the AX4-5, an entry-level storage area network (SAN) solution specifically designed to meet the growing storage needs of small and medium-sized organizations. Detailed technical information can be found at Dell AX4-5.

• New SAN array offers enhanced ease of use features, allows new capacity provisioning in as little as a minute


• Navisphere Express simplifies deployment and maintenance

According to IDC, demand for storage capacity continues to grow at a rate of nearly 60 percent per year. Small to medium-sized entities, including branch offices of larger organizations, increasingly face challenges related to data growth and management while IT budgets remain flat.

The Dell AX4-5 array can meet the needs of rapidly growing data capacity with the ability to expand up to 60 drives and soon support up to 60TB of data. The AX4-5 array can be configured for Fibre Channel or iSCSI networks and supports mixed drive configurations to suit customer-specific needs: SAS drives for high performance and SATA drives for capacity.

“This is the latest step in the strong partnership between Dell and EMC,” said Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager, Dell storage. “We’ve worked closely with EMC to define, design and deliver this system tailored to SMBs. Together we are delivering capabilities not previously seen in entry-level SANs.”

Additional features of the Dell AX4-5 include:

• Excellent Data Availability and Reliability: AX4-5 controllers provide end-to-end data integrity, through continuous background disk consistency checking, mirrored cache, and cache destaging in the event of a significant failure. The array is designed to protect data in the controller, on the drive, and throughout the data path.


• Simple Deployment and Advanced Management: The AX4-5 comes with EMC Navisphere Express, an intuitive user interface that simplifies installation and operation. The AX4-5 has also inherited many demonstrated software capabilities that have only been available on the more advanced Dell/EMC CX3 arrays. This allows for “single pane of glass” management for users with multiple EMC arrays, as well as optional data replication and migration tools which will be available soon.


• Scalable Architecture: The AX4-5 will be able to support up to 64 hosts and 60 drives across five enclosures to help keep up with data growth. With the simplified wizard-based management users can allocate additional capacity in as little as a minute.


• Flexibility and Drive Options: AX4-5 iSCSI arrays support cost-effective IP networks, while Fibre Channel arrays utilize high performance 4Gb/s connections. The AX4-5 can also easily mix SAS drives geared for performance with SATA drives that deliver cost-effective capacity.

Dell Expands 2008 Small Business Excellence Award to Recognize Innovative Technology Use Across the Globe

Dell today announced it is expanding the Small Business Excellence Award internationally, giving small businesses that demonstrate technology innovation to benefit customers a chance to win up to $50,000 in Dell solutions and be honored by Dell and its world-class partners.

Global award partners include the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), which has a mission to advance entrepreneurship through global knowledge sharing and networking, and Endeavor, a global non-profit supporting emerging market entrepreneurs.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), America’s leading small-business advocacy association, and Dell founded the program in 2004, and the two organizations continue to recognize leading U.S. small businesses for using technology to better serve customers.

Call for entries for the fifth annual U.S. Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award start today through Feb. 29, 2008. Additional countries participating in the program will be announced over the coming weeks. For a description of the award criteria, rules and regulations, award levels, partners and judges and to complete an application.

Chosen from the national winners, the global 2008 Small Business Excellence Award winner receives:

• $50,000 in technology and services from Dell; featured in an entrepreneurs summit hosted by Chairman and CEO Michael Dell; lifetime membership to ICSB, and engaging with Endeavor’s network of business leaders and high-impact entrepreneurs in emerging markets worldwide.
• Each national winner receives $25,000 in Dell products and services; a day of best-practice sharing with Dell executives, including Mr. Dell, and partner benefits that will vary by country. The U.S. winner receives a lifetime NFIB membership.
• Nine finalists in each country receive: A Dell business-class laptop, and partner benefits that will vary by country. The U.S. finalists receive a one-year NFIB membership.

Entrants must be businesses with 100 or fewer employees, and each must show how it represents the spirit of innovation in applying information technology in its business practices to improve the customer experience. Applications are accepted online, and submission deadlines vary by country. No purchase or entry fee is required. U.S. finalists will be announced in May 2008, and the U.S. national winner will be announced June 9, 2008, at the NFIB National Small-Business Summit in Washington, D.C. All national finalists and winners will be selected by August 2008, and the global winner will be announced in fall 2008.

“Since winning the Dell/NFIB award in July 2007, we have seen renewed energy, focus and especially new business opportunities,” said Jim Cox, founder and president of Medkinetics. “NFIB is helping us forge new relationships with fast-growing companies like ours, and Dell is not only a technology provider to us but has become a real partner helping us better serve our customers. We are in the process of becoming an independent software vendor for Dell’s health care and life sciences division – this is a huge opportunity for our company.”

About NFIB

NFIB is the nation’s leading small-business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through a unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of members to own, operate and grow their businesses.

About Endeavor

As of January 2007, Endeavor Entrepreneurs throughout Latin America, South Africa and Turkey have created 79,000 new jobs and generated over $1.9 billion in revenues. Endeavor plans to launch operations in Egypt and India in early 2008.

About ICSB

Founded in 1955, the ICSB is the premier global membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. With over 2,000 members from over 70 countries, the ICSB brings together educators, researchers, policy makers and practitioners to share knowledge and experience in their respective fields. ICSB promotes the development of knowledge in all areas of business theory and practice and is particularly focused on strategies and policies proven to be effective in sustaining small businesses and entrepreneurship.

About Dell

Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell is a leading global systems and services company.

Dell First to Offer Next Step in Display Technology Evolution

Dell today announced the award-winning UltraSharp 3008WFP 30-inch widescreen flat panel monitor with DisplayPort—the next standard of digital visual performance and connectivity. The TrueColor WQXGA display with 2560x1600 resolution is now available to customers direct starting at $1,999.

• Dell 30-inch performance flat panel monitor includes next generation I/O technology


• DisplayPort Digital Display Interface Delivers Performance and Simplicity

Next-Generation DisplayPort Technology

Dell’s new 30-inch display is the first monitor commercially available in the industry to integrate DisplayPort technology, a new digital interface standard that includes a USB-sized connector, double the scalable performance of DVI, and a unique architecture that enables new features. DisplayPort is endorsed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA ) as the next standard of digital display interface for broad adoption in PCs, monitors, and projectors.

“We’re offering customers the best high-definition viewing experience with the most advanced connectivity available,” said Steve Gluskoter, director of Dell’s displays marketing. “We’re excited to bring DisplayPort to customers and to the industry. The 3008WFP with DisplayPort technology will take the digital viewing experience to a whole new level.”

About the 3008WFP Display

The 3008WFP display was designed especially for users who demand superior power and high-definition resolution quality, such as content-creators, designers, photographers, video editors, and gaming and entertainment enthusiasts. The monitor features a brushed aluminium housing, glass stand base, cantilever arm and a unique cable management system. The 3008WFP display is as aesthetically beautiful as the images it delivers. With higher definition than HDTV to meet the most stringent viewing needs, the 3008WFP is the benchmark in digital image quality featuring:

• WQXGA 2560 x1600 resolution


• Advanced video processor for multi-resolution viewing


• TrueColor Technology with 100 percent color gamut


• 8ms response time (typical)


• High 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (typical)


• Extensive connectivity with DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D with HDCP, VGA, S-Video, Component and Composite connectors

Designed for comfort and ease of use, the Dell 3008WFP includes the following features:

• Height-adjustable stand allowing easy adjustment for comfortable eye level


• 9-in-2 media card reader that enable easy access to download photos or files


• Four high-speed USB 2.0 ports that expand usability


• Enhanced on-screen display (OSD) selection with color space conversion, including the Adobe 98 color standard

Dell Lounge Immerses CES Attendees in the Next Wave of High-Def Living

Consumer Electronics Show attendees can preview the next wave in digital entertainment, gaming and home networking through an array of innovative concepts, conversations and technology demonstrations at the Dell Lounge.

Featured displays include a premium 16-inch concept laptop with a picture-perfect full HD 16:9 aspect ratio and a preview of a mainstream XPS gaming desktop that will offer performance approaching purpose-built gaming systems. Dell will also demo a high-definition digital home entertainment solution that brings TV to the PC and vice versa, using CableCARD and the Extender for Windows Media Center device from Linksys .

Several new products will make a public appearance in the Dell Lounge, including the colorful Inspiron 1525 laptop, an award-winning 30-inch UltraSharp display and the distinctive Crystal flat panel display, which was demonstrated at last year’s CES as a concept product.

Dell will also engage members of the ReGeneration – people of all ages who care about the environment –through two illuminated graffiti walls asking “What Does Green Mean to You?” Conference attendees are encouraged to join a conversation with Dell and their peers by writing their ideas and observations on the meaning of “green.”

16-inch Display = True 16:9 Aspect Ratio

Movie buffs and videofiles are urged to check out a concept XPS laptop with a 16-inch 16:9 aspect display with full HD 1080p resolution. While most laptop available today feature a widescreen display, the true entertainment enthusiast knows that typical 14.1-, 15.4- and 17-inch laptop displays feature a 16:10 ratio versus the 16:9 aspect ratio used in most HDTVs. The most accurate representation of video content for select Blu-ray movies and digital TV is seen with a 16:9 display. When the source video is 16:9, the movie images will fill the entire 16-inch display with no letterboxing.

XPS 630i : Middleweight Contender With Heavyweight Power

Starting tomorrow, CES attendees can get a first look at Dell’s XPS entry-level gaming desktop, expected to be formally announced this spring with pricing and configuration details. While the XPS 630i is more compact than the powerhouse XPS 720 family, it won’t compromise on performance. The XPS 630i can be seen in a variety of locations around CES, including Sony and Creative Labs as well as the Dell Lounge.

Digital Home Demo – HD Entertainment When and Where You Want

It Dell’s digital home demo showcases convergence of the TV and PC. The solution features an XPS 420 desktop configured with Windows Vista Ultimate and the ATI TV WonderTM Digital Cable Tuner, enabling users to watch, pause, replay and record premium HD content from digital cable channels on a stunning 30-inch flat panel display. The XPS 420 is paired with a Linksys Media Center Extender (DMA2100), which transfers live or recorded HD video content, digital photos and music across a wired or 802.11n wireless network to any TV in the home. Dell was one of the first to offer CableCARD technology pre-installed on a PC and is partnering with Linksys to launch the DMA2100 Media Center Extender.

Dell 15.4-Inch Inspiron Laptops: Cool, Colorful and Connected

Dell today announced the Inspiron 1525, a 15.4-inch laptop that is smaller, slimmer and lighter than the generation it replaces. The new laptops also offer more personalization options with four new cool patterns in addition to the original eight colorful LCD back choices.

• Inspiron 1525 is Slimmer, Up to 25 Percent Smaller Than Previous Models


• Express Yourself with Four Cool Patterns, Optional Color-Coordinated Accessories


• Stay Connected with Wi-Fi Catcher and Optional Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth and Wireless USB


• PC-to-PC Transfer Service Migrates Personal Settings and Data to New Systems Out of the Box

Taking self expression to the next level, the Inspiron 1525 laptop can be customized with four new optional patterns: Blossom, Chill, Commotion and Street, in addition to the original eight color options like Midnight Blue and Ruby Red. Color-coordinated optional accessories like wireless mice and external storage as well as laptop sleeves, backpacks and messenger bags allow each customer to design a unique mobility package.

The Inspiron 1525 boasts a new design that is 25 percent smaller, thinner and almost a half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Consumers on the go will appreciate all of the optional wireless features that help them stay connected, whether it’s at the desk, in a room, around the house or just about anywhere. The system includes several unique features that make staying connected and managing multimedia activities a breeze, including:

• Dell MediaDirect technology, which provides one-touch instant access to music, photos and videos and select Microsoft Office program like Calendar and Contacts without turning on the laptop


• Stylish capacitive touch multimedia buttons for slick fingertip control of entertainment content


• Dell’s Wi-Fi CatcherTM , an easy way to locate and connect to a Wi-Fi network, or to turn off the wireless to help save battery life


• Multiple wireless options for both short and long-range connectivity

Customers can further personalize the Inspiron 1525 with fun optional features like a built-in 2.0 megapixel webcam with dual digital array microphones and noise isolation headphones for video chats, ExpressCard Travel Remote for arms-length control of entertainment content, and high-resolution displays for clear, crisp viewing of HD content.

Dell Makes Clear Statement on Style and Innovation with Crystal Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor

• Crafted from Premium-Grade 4mm Ultra-Clear Tempered Glass


• 22-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor Blends Inspiring Design, Technical Innovation and Practical Functionality


• Speakers and Miniature Web Camera Incorporate Elegantly into a Slim LCD Form Factor with Single-Cable Connectivity

Technophiles with an eye for beautiful design now have a clear choice in widescreen flat panel monitors – the Dell Crystal. The award-winning 22-inch LCD display, crafted from four millimeter ultra-clear tempered glass, offers an ingenious fusion of art, technology, sleek form and sophisticated function. Priced at $1,199.

The Dell Crystal adds style to any space with fine, sculptured details like a polished metal tripod that supports the “floating” screen. Audio speakers with subtly wired circuitry are cleverly integrated into the Dell Crystal’s svelte frame, and the inconspicuous webcam and microphone sit flush above the display. Capacitive touch controls with intricate but discreet wiring provide visual simplicity and functionality, and single-cable connectivity finishes out its clean presence. The 1680x1050 image resolution makes the display suitable for both personal entertainment and general-purpose computing.

“The Dell Crystal is a direct result of listening to customers and applying that inspiration to create strikingly original products that are beautifully functional,” said Steve Gluskoter, director, displays product marketing. “For consumers who value technology with iconic design, Crystal offers an eloquent expression of their high-def lifestyle.”

Fusing Art and Technology

The striking design of the Dell Crystal display is fused with high performance technology to deliver one of the best front-of-screen experiences today, including:

• WSXGA+ 1680 x 1050 resolution


• TrueColor Technology with 98 percent color gamut (typical)


• 2ms typical response time (grey to grey)


• 2000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (typical)


• HD connectivity with DVI / HDMI with HDCP, sub-woofer out, USB


• 2.0 megapixel webcam with microphone