Dell Makes Every Night College Game Night

The playing field is virtual, but the rivalries are real in Dell’s new College Gaming League. Established exclusively for college students, the CGL provides a community and framework for avid PC and console gamers to connect and compete.

League membership is free and open to all college students . Benefits include:

• Public game servers for all members;
• Exclusive offers on systems and games;
• Member communication tools, including IM;
• Blogs, ratings and rankings;
• School pages;
• Weekly “Play with a Pro” game nights;
• Open- and closed-ladder tournaments; and
• A Premier League and national championship tournament where school teams compete.

Prizes for periodic tournaments will include Dell gaming systems and cash or scholarship awards.

Register now on Dell University’s official College Gaming League Web site. Build your profile, check out your school’s page and get ready to target your rivals.

Check out one of the weekly “Play with a Pro” nights . Competitive action begins this summer.

The College Gaming League is sponsored by the Dell University Program, which offers education discounts and customized PC bundles for students, faculty, and staff at thousands of participating schools across the country.

Dell Sees Unrivalled Opportunity In Connected Era And Fast Growing Economies

Speaking during his first official visit to the Middle East, Michael Dell, chairman and CEO of Dell, told reporters at a conference held at the Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai, “The world is witnessing the most exciting and promising period for technology ever seen. We call it the “Connected Era.” The second billion people coming online, many from the world’s fast growing and emerging economies expect a different technology experience to the first. The Internet has unleashed billions of new conversations and made it possible for people to connect in new ways. The emergence of this Connected Era is arguably the most influential single trend remodeling the world today.”

• Connected Era ‘Most Exciting and Promising Period for Technology Ever Seen’
• Future Requires IT Simplification, Greater Sensitivity to the Environment and Listening

Mr. Dell said the Connected Era is transforming the way technology is used to drive conversations and communities online. It is also creating an urgent need to simplify IT infrastructures and address concerns about how this escalating demand might impact the planet.

At the same press conference, Mr. Abdulatif Almulla, CEO of TECOM Investments said, “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Michael Dell on his first visit to the Middle East. This visit clearly reflects Dell’s focus on the needs of the Middle Eastern market and its commitment to supporting this key region during the next phase of its growth.”

He continued, “With the overall IT spend in the Middle East and Africa expected to exceed $40 billion in 2008 and with the Gulf Cooperation Council accounting for nearly 23 percent of the total (according to IDC figures), the region’s IT sector has significantly evolved into one of the key players in the global IT industry. We will be working closely with Dell to find ways to bring the benefits of its best practice approaches to this region.”

In his remarks, Mr. Dell outlined what he described as the four key drivers of the Connected Era:

Simplify IT

While IT has made our lives simpler and more efficient, Mr. Dell said, “Somewhere along the way, all this efficiency got complicated. For many businesses, governments and consumers technology is too expensive, too complex and uses far too much power. We have made it our mission to simplify IT for customers.”

Reaching the Next Billion

More than one billion people are online today. By 2011, another billion are expected to join. Reaching these new users will require tailoring products to their needs and paying attention to how they prefer to learn about and purchase computers systems. “In the Middle East, for example, we’re bringing strengths from the direct model to our channel business by creating closer and deeper relationships through our partners to help us better understand customer needs.” Mr. Dell said. “Also we’re continuing to invest in local logistics and services capabilities to ensure we serve customers quickly.”

Technology has also lowered the barrier to entry for starting a small business, making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs in the Middle East and other fast-growing economies to successfully compete with businesses of all sizes, all over the world.

Listening

Mr. Dell said the Connected Era has forever redefined what it means to listen to customers. “Listening used to mean commissioning a customer survey. Now it means engaging directly with customers and critics and using those relationships to create a smarter business. Tapping into the ideas of our customers is like having an open source R&D lab. It’s incredibly exciting, both for Dell and for our customers.”

Environment and the ReGeneration

On World Environment Day 2007, Michael Dell committed to partnering with customers to become the “greenest” technology company on the planet. “The last 20 years has seen computers and servers getting faster, more powerful and more energy hungry. Our industry needs to design and build machines that combine the first two characteristics while reversing the third. And we are doing it at Dell.”

In doing so, he introduced the idea that we can all be part of the ReGeneration – a global community of people of all ages and backgrounds who care about the environment. “This is not just a matter of good environmental stewardship – though that concern is paramount,” Mr. Dell said. “Our customers want to identify with our commitment to the issues they care about – especially those issues that directly relate to our products.”

Dell Global Headquarters Campus Going 100 Percent Green

Dell is now powering 100 percent of its 2.1 million square-foot global headquarters campus, home to more than 10,000 employees, with 100 percent green power, the latest step in meeting the company’s 2008 carbon neutral commitment.

• Green Power Supplied by Waste Management’s Landfill Gas-to-Energy Plant and TXU Energy Wind Power
• Company Ahead of Schedule to Meet Carbon-Neutrality Commitment

“It’s time for our industry to take a lead role in creating a clean energy future,” said Paul Bell, president, Dell Americas. “Today, we are challenging every technology company to work with their suppliers and partners in integrating green power and energy-efficient strategies into their operations.”

“Powering an entire campus with green power, in partnership with these two leading companies, is an important step in becoming the greenest technology company on the planet and the right thing to do for our shared earth,” said Mr. Bell. “At the same time we’re using green technology to drive operating expense down.”

Dell is using all of the power generated from Waste Management’s Austin Community Landfill gas-to-energy plant, meeting 40 percent of Dell headquarters’ campus power needs. The remaining 60 percent comes from existing wind farms and is provided by TXU Energy.
Dell also announced today it is increasing green power use for its Austin Parmer Campus, provided by Austin Energy, from eight to 17 percent. The company is a leading participant in Austin Energy’s GreenChoice® power program. Dell also is powering its Twin Falls, Idaho, facility with 100 percent green power, 97 percent of which is wind power and three percent solar.

In September 2007, Dell announced it would make company owned and leased facilities “carbon neutral” in 2008 through a strategy of improving energy-efficiency in its operations and maximizing the purchase of renewable power. This commitment is part of the company’s climate strategy which also seeks to minimize carbon impact of supplier operations and customer product use.

Operational initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce electricity use already implemented on Dell’s central Texas campuses are expected to save the company nearly $2 million annually in operating costs and cutting CO2 equivalent emissions by nearly 12,000 tons per year. The purchase of green power gives Dell price certainty on its operational costs for power, and the company expects it may see cost benefits to using green power in the future.

Dell’s green technology solutions include the OptiPlex 755 and Inspiron 531 desktops, Latitude D630 laptop, PowerEdge M-Series blades and PowerEdge Energy Smart servers. The company’s desktop systems alone have helped customers save more than $2.2 billion and avoid approximately 22.4 million tons of CO2.

“We’re very pleased that our Austin Community Landfill’s gas to energy project will play a key role in Dell’s commitment to using renewable energy. This project is part of our company’s environmental initiative to increase the production of waste based energy. Today, we create enough energy for the equivalent of 1 million homes each year and by 2020 we expect to double that output, producing enough energy for the equivalent of more than 2 million homes,” said David Steiner, chief executive officer of Waste Management, Inc.

“This is yet another example of TXU Energy’s commitment to offering renewable power choices that are good for business and the environment,” said Jim Burke, chief executive officer for TXU Energy “TXU Energy is dedicated to improving our use of renewable power and encouraging greater energy efficiency, both of which help preserve our environment.”

“For Dell to partner with Waste Management and TXU to source renewable energy on this scale is great news,” said Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group. “Greening the company’s Texas operations not only underpins Dell’s bold carbon neutral commitment but helps drive clean energy investment and tackles climate change.”

Next-Generation Dell Laptops Take Connectivity Global

World travelers can stay connected globally with Dell’s next-generation laptops that will support mobile broadband on multiple cellular networks.

U.S.-based travelers who connect their laptops via EV-DO carrier networks (like Verizon Wireless or Sprint), will be able to connect via HSPA carrier networks (like Vodafone), a wireless standard commonly found in Europe. Today customers who wish to connect to both types of networks must use two different mobile broadband cards.

Dell’s next-generation laptops, available later this year, will support a single-card 3G network connection through Qualcomm’s Gobi solution. The software-configurable technology enables high-speed data connectivity on both UMTS and CDMA networks, and allows users to switch between network carriers. The built-in Gobi solution will be offered across Latitude, Dell Precision, and consumer laptops.

“Dell will continue to deliver on the promise of global computing with the addition of Qualcomm’s Gobi technology,” said Ken Bond, director of wireless product management at Dell. “Customers are demanding more freedom to compute the way they want, where they want, which is why Dell today offers such a wide selection of mobile-broadband ready laptops.”

“The Gobi solution enables enterprise users and consumers with the freedom of being untethered from Wi-Fi hotspots and connecting to the Internet using ‘almost anywhere’ cellular broadband connectivity,” said Greg Raleigh, vice president of product management for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. “We are pleased that Dell will be leveraging the flexibility and efficiency Gobi provides to meet the growing needs of mobile data users.”

Dell Driving Actions to Enhance Competitiveness, Optimize Operations

Dell today detailed additional actions in its previously announced program to restore the competitive advantage of the company’s operating model, rationalize its operations and improve profitability and cash flow.

“We believe we have a $3 billion opportunity to drive both productivity and efficiency,” said Michael Dell, Dell’s chairman and CEO. “We’ve analyzed the business and opportunity, so we know – without question – where our priorities should be. And as we’ve reignited growth in our business, we’re taking deliberate steps across the company to improve our competitive position.”

The actions Dell will take during Fiscal 2009 and beyond are expected to position the company to further accelerate growth in its five focus areas: global consumer, enterprise, notebooks, small and medium enterprise and emerging countries, while improving profitability and cash returns. As a part of a broader assessment of its global manufacturing and logistics network, the company will close its desktop manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas.

In addition, the company will take further actions to reduce total product costs across all areas, including design, manufacturing and logistics, materials and operating expenses. Dell expects that the initial benefits from these actions will begin to be realized in the second half of this fiscal year. Over the next three years, the company expects to achieve annualized savings of approximately $3 billion, and will use this benefit to strengthen its competitive position and improve profitability. The company also reaffirmed its previously announced plans to reduce global employee headcount by at least 8,800 and related operating expense. In the last nine months of the company’s fiscal 2008, it reduced headcount by 3,200, excluding acquisitions.

“We expect that these actions, along with the continuing rigor we’re applying to operating expense control throughout our operations, will result in an improved, world-class cost structure,” said Don Carty, Dell’s vice chairman and CFO.

The company also announced it is undertaking a strategic assessment of ownership alternatives for its Dell Financial Services financing activities. The assessment will primarily focus on the consumer and small/medium business revolving credit financing receivables and operations in the U.S., but may also include commercial leasing.

“We plan to look at alternatives that will strengthen the product offerings, enhance customer experience and improve DFS’ overall financial services capabilities in the most efficient way,” said Mr. Carty.

The outcome of the assessment will depend on the customer, capital and economic impact of alternative ownership structures. It is possible the assessment will result in no change to the ownership and/or operating structure. The company expects to complete the assessment in Q3 of the current fiscal year.

Sub-$1,000 Blu-Ray Laptop Now Available From Dell

The high-definition format wars are over – and you won: Dell customers can now get a Blu-ray laptop for under a $1,000. Available today on dell.com, movie buffs can pick up the Inspiron 1525 with optional Blu-ray disc playback starting at $879.

As retailers and video rental companies expand their high-definition offerings, Blu-ray is the new “must-have” technology to help get the most out of your viewing experience.
The award-winning Inspiron 1525 laptop features a 15.4-inch high definition wide aspect display with 720p resolution. It also includes an HDMI port for easy connectivity to high resolution displays and HDTVs.

The Blu-ray player disc drive is fully backwards compatible, and will play as well as burn traditional DVDs and CDs. Consumers can also chose a Blu-ray burner drive, which is great for backing up and storing important files like digital photos, videos, financial records, etc. A Blu-ray disc will hold up to 50 GB of data, vs. 8.5 GB available on the typical DVD disc.

The lightweight Inspiron 1525 is all about self expression, allowing customers to complement their individual style with a laptop that offers designs like Chill, Blossom and Commotion, or a spectrum of vibrant colors, like Sunshine Yellow, Midnight Blue and Ruby Red.

Dell Inspiron 1525 laptops with Blu-ray disc drives incorporate Broadcom Media PC technology that allows PCs with integrated graphics to play high definition video. The high-definition video playback is enabled through a built-in dedicated accelerator located in a mini-card slot.

Like all Dell consumer laptops, the Inspiron 1525 features Dell MediaDirect technology which provides one button instant access to media files, even if the system is powered off or in hibernate. Optional accessories for a great movie watching experience include a slim travel power adapter ($80), Dell travel remote control (IR) that slips into the ExpressCard slot ($22), and Creative noise-isolation earphones ($25). The Inspiron 1525 laptop with Blu-ray is available today in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Dell and Goodwill Launch Free Computer Recycling Service for Consumers in Houston Area

Consumers in the greater Houston area now have a free recycling solution for used computer equipment. Dell and Goodwill Industries of Houston announced today the Reconnect alliance has been expanded to the Houston area. The alliance was announced at the opening of Computer Works in Houston today.

• Reconnect, a free drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers, was introduced today by Dell and Goodwill Industries of Houston.


• The Houston Computer Works store, located at 12230 Westheimer, provides an affordable retail outlet for refurbished computer hardware and software in the Houston community.


• Reconnect offers consumers in Houston and 15 surrounding counties free recycling for any brand of computer equipment in any condition.


• Program goals are to divert 1.5 million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from area landfills over the next year; and provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally-responsible computer disposal. Reconnect also can help create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.


• Reconnect now covers 57 Texas counties and approximately one-third of the state’s population. Reconnect Houston joins programs in the greater Austin and San Antonio regions.


• Other Reconnect programs currently exist in: Michigan (statewide); New Jersey (statewide); North Carolina (49 of 100 counties); the City of Philadelphia; the greater Pittsburgh region; Northwest Ohio, San Diego; and San Francisco (Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties).

“Goodwill Industries of Houston is very happy to begin the operational phase of our partnership with Dell,” said Steve Lufburrow, Goodwill Houston’s President and CEO. “Responsible recycling of e-waste is critical to our environment and we are excited to offer this program to the communities we service. We join Goodwill/Dell Reconnect partners around the country in this beneficial community effort while supporting Goodwill’s mission of serving people with disadvantaged conditions.”

“Dell wants to make computer recycling easy and free for any consumer, and ReConnect is an important program that helps make that possible,” said Joe Strathmann, head of product recycling services for Dell. “Becoming the greenest technology company means partnering with communities, stakeholders and customers to help protect the Earth. Our latest Houston partnership is an excellent example of that effort in action, and brings free computer recycling to even more Texas citizens.”

About Goodwill Industries of Houston

In 2007, Goodwill Houston took on an initiative called the Power of Work Campaign to increase services in our community through Job Connection Centers, Stores and Attended Donation Centers. Each time we open stores and centers, we create more jobs in the community which assists us in our mission of Changing Lives through the Power of Work.

Dell and Egenera Partnering to Simplify Data Center Management

Dell is partnering with Egenera Inc. to deliver a fully integrated solution for employing dynamic data center environments. Together, the two companies intend to combine Dell’s award-winning PowerEdge server line, a full suite of Dell’s Infrastructure Consulting Services and Egenera’s PAN Manager infrastructure virtualization software. The solution is designed to enable customers to simplify operations by creating and managing a single resource pool for both physical and virtualized servers.

"Dell is listening to customers and providing solutions that make the virtual data center easier to deploy and manage, regardless of platform," said Rick Becker, vice president, Dell Software & Solutions. "Dell and Egenera will help customers focus on company growth by delivering excellence in virtualized infrastructure from server performance, storage interoperability to dynamic data center management."

"The Dell-Egenera relationship was driven by customer need for simple, agile and cost-effective solutions that virtualize and unify data center assets beyond a single server," said Mike Thompson, president and CEO, Egenera. "We’re driving to provide customers with a powerful, integrated way to manage server, network and storage assets, with lower operational costs, increased resource utilization and uptime."

Dell Helps Drive Simplification of Windows Vista Migrations

Dell today announced the Dell Client Migration Solution, an integrated set of services and tools that can reduce migration costs by up to 62 percent and desk-side time and labor by up to an estimated 88 percent. Designed for organizations planning an operating system migration or hardware deployment of 2,500 systems or more, Dell’s Client Migration Solution can simplify the process by addressing pervasive challenges such as network utilization, application compatibility and end-user downtime, all while minimizing costs.

• Service reduces cost and complexities associated with operating system migrations
• Automated process helps speed deployment while mitigating risk

“Organizations are evaluating their Windows Vista migration policies and procedures, and as they do so, it will be imperative for them to address all stages of the migration process,” said Matt Healey, research manager, Hardware and Software Support Services, IDC. “Dell has recognized this need and has developed a suite of services to address these needs.”

Based on best practices gleaned from millions of deployments, Dell’s Client Migration Solution includes focused services to help customers determine hardware and application compatibility in their client environment, then seamlessly plan, deploy and manage migrated systems. The solution leverages new patent-pending Dell Automated Deployment technologies that can speed the deployment process, reduce post-migration issues, mitigate risk and eliminate network traffic normally associated with deployments by an estimated 70 percent. Additionally, Dell provides customers with the tools and expertise needed to help better manage ongoing technology refreshes and instruction to ensure support staff and end-users are properly trained.

“Customers are migrating to Windows Vista, and they’ve asked Dell to provide services to simplify the process for them,” said Steve Meyer, vice president, Global Services, Dell. “In response, Dell is delivering a new integrated solution that combines focused, upfront planning with industry-leading processes and tools to streamline setup, minimize onsite and manual intervention, and drive complexity out of the process, helping customers reclaim time and money.”

Dell’s Client Migration Solution is available immediately to customers in the United States, Europe and Canada and is priced according to customers’ unique needs and client environment. The portfolio is available on a limited basis in Latin America and will be made available to Asia-Pacific/Japan later this year.

Dell’s ‘Plant a Tree for Me’ Program Goes Retail with Samsclub

Dell customers looking for an environmentally-responsible computing option at samsclub can now help offset the carbon impact of the electricity required to power their laptop or desktop, an extension of Dell’s “Plant a Tree for Me” program.

Customer contributions of $2 for a laptop and $6 for a desktop will go toward the planting of trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Dell partners with The Conservation Fund and the Carbonfund.org, non-profit organizations that plant trees in sustainably managed reforestation projects.

“Our success in addressing climate change, energy depletion and other global challenges ultimately depends on our ability to empower and inspire the ReGeneration, people of all ages who care about the environment,” said Tod Arbogast, director of sustainable business at Dell.

“Programs like ‘Plant a Tree for Me’ provide a simple and tangible way to make a difference.” Dell launched “Plant a Tree for Me” for customers in January 2007. The company recently joined The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other commercial partners in dedicating 158 acres of forestland in East Texas, one of five tree-planting projects funded through the program.

“Climate change and habitat loss are two of the greatest environmental challenges of our time,” said Larry Selzer, president and CEO of The Conservation Fund. “Thanks to industry-leading efforts of Dell and samsclub, and the generosity of their customers, we are making extraordinary strides to restore native forests that will clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, enhance habitat for wildlife and create new recreation areas that we can all enjoy.”

Environmental Leadership

Dell is committed to becoming the “greenest” technology company on the planet. Last year, the company announced that it would be the first major computer manufacturer to neutralize the carbon impact of its worldwide operations. The company’s carbon intensity (CO2 emissions/revenue) is among the lowest of the Fortune 50.

In September 2007, Dell announced “Plant a Forest for Me,” a program that enables organizations worldwide to share best practices and, as partners, facilitate the planting of trees in sustainably managed reforestation projects. Partners include AMD, ABN AMRO, Ask, CGI, Staples, Salesforce, Targus and WellPoint.

Dell also offers the industry’s only free recycling program for consumers. In 2006, the company recycled more than 78 million pounds of computer equipment worldwide, a 93 percent increase over 2005. This put Dell ahead of schedule in achieving a goal of recycling 275 million pounds of equipment by 2009.

New Dell Servers: Big-Business Performance at Small-Business Price

Small and medium businesses no longer have to sacrifice server performance or reliability for an affordable price. Dell’s new PowerEdge R300 and T300 servers have industry-leading performance, memory and high-availability features previously available only in more expensive systems designed for larger businesses. Available today worldwide, the industry’s highest-performing one-socket quad-core servers start at $1,249 for the R300 rack server and $999 for the T300 tower server.

• PowerEdge R300 and T300 perform up to 31 percent better than comparable HP servers; up to 51 percent better than similar IBM servers


• High-availability features for increased uptime


• 3X memory capacity to better handle memory-intensive applications

“Customers want faster performing systems to run their already taxed computer networks at a price that won’t break the bank,” said Frank Muehleman, vice president and general manager, Dell Small and Medium Business. “We listened, and our new R300 and T300 servers deliver the kind of technology innovation our customers care about – more performance and reliability without more cost.”

Superior Performance for SMBs Using the quad-core Intel Xeon x5460 processor, the PowerEdge R300 achieves up to 26 percent better performance than the HP DL320 G5p, and up to 51 percent over the IBM System X 3250. The T300 tower server achieves up to 31 percent better performance compared to the HP ML310 G5 server, and up to 51 better performance than the IBM System X 3200.

The new R300 and T300 servers also help companies better handle memory intensive applications by offering 24GB of memory – three times the memory capacity of competitive one-socket systems. Essential, high-availability features include hot-plug hard drives and redundant power supplies to help increase uptime and prevent loss of data access.
Additionally, the R300 helps provide energy cost savings for customers. It is the industry's most energy efficient server, delivering the leading performance per watt compared to all currently published SPECpower results.

“Today, we exclusively rely on energy-efficient, high-performing Dell PowerEdge 2950 rack servers to deliver our flagship enterprise-class hosting solution, the ServInt SuperVPS, to customers," said Reed Caldwell, founder and CEO of ServInt , a recognized leader in the Virtual Private Server (VPS) marketplace with customers of all sizes in all regions of the world. "Dell's R300 is a natural step for both the ServInt Enterprise-Class VPS product line, as well as our recently launched Green Initiative that promotes ecologically responsible, sustainable hosting. No other platform we tested gives us the features, reliability, performance or expandability with such a low-voltage footprint. We're also excited about the small form factor the R300 offers while retaining exceptional scalability.”

Enhanced Business Security and Services

Dell’s PowerEdge R300 and T300 offer built-in security features to help customers better protect their server investments, including:

• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to strengthen security, enabling better authentication, encryption and protection of critical information;
• Internal lock-down USB to reduce risk of data loss and security breaches; and
• Locking bezels and a chassis intrusion switch to protect against unauthorized access to system hard drives, peripherals and the control panel.

Earn a Shot at Becoming the Next Indie Film “IT” Kid in Dell’s “Frame Of Reference” Short Film Contest

Aspiring cinema auteurs and visionaries can earn props, prizes and online notoriety in the “Frame of Reference” short film contest, sponsored by the Dell Lounge.

Here’s how it works:

Blend references from the required style, motif and song palettes into an original three- to five-minute tour-de-force.

Pick one inspiration from each category for your three-to-five-minute film:

1. Style : Spaghetti Western, cinéma vérité, Bollywood, epic, film noir, French new wave or silent film
2. Motif : Dystopic Future, Innocent Bystander, Infected by Aliens, Loose Cannon, Misfit Lovers, Out of Your League or Wacky Sidekick
3. Song : Tracks by Tacks, the Boy Disaster, Bear Colony, Dent May & His Magnificent Ukelele, Colour Revolt, Luke Temple or Dignan

Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters Release a Custom Preview of Their Upcoming Debut Album at the Dell Lounge

Fans of Billy Bob Thornton can now download a 10-song preview of the hillbilly rocker’s upcoming album with his latest musical incarnation – The Boxmasters – exclusively at the Dell Lounge.

Download music and check out videos of Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters at the Dell Lounge.

Be part of Billy Bob’s multi-media journey as he records and produces his own music in a home studio powered by Dell.

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 behind the band, enriching the consumer experience by connecting site visitors and fans more closely to the artist.

Dell Scores Record Number of Product Awards in 2007

Going from beige to bold is paying off for customers and Dell.

• In Dell’s most recent fiscal year, the company received more than 400 product awards highlighting design, quality and innovation. Here is a sampling of those awards.
• Dell’s XPS line gained more momentum and recognition in the industry press.
  Mainstream systems like Inspiron 531 were also recognized for performance on sites like CNET.
• Commercial products including Dell’s PowerEdge 1955 blade servers received accolades like Technology of the Year Award.
• More recently Optiplex 755 was honored with an Editors Choice Award and the new mainstream gaming desktop XPS 630 set a new standard in gaming.
• Since Dell launched ratings and reviews site, more than 45,000 customers have reviewed more than 6,000 products.
• We will continue extending the conversation with customers about our products and their experiences.

“At Dell, we have made design, broadening the laptop range, and evolution of the desktop central to our focus on consumer wants and needs” said Alex Gruzen, senior vice president of Dell’s Consumer Product Group. “More so than traditional feeds and speeds, Dell is focusing on fashion, style and entertainment. As the recent awards and market share gains illustrate, reporters, influential industry analysts, and most importantly customers are responding in the most positive way.”

Dell Goes Extreme With IT-Friendly Rugged Laptop

Dell today unveiled its first fully ruggedized laptop, the Latitude XFR D630. The system is one of the only in its class to simplify IT with seamless integration into existing infrastructure and deliver extreme durability without compromising performance. The rugged laptop, intended for government and commercial customers, is available today in the U.S. and starts at $3,899.

• 23 percent better system performance than the Panasonic CF-30


• 100 percent commonality with Latitude components and images


• Unmatched standard Next Business Day Onsite Service

The Latitude XFR D630 meets MIL-STD 810F standards from the Department of Defense for products that operate in extreme temperatures, moisture and altitude, to name a few. The system shares common images and components with Dell’s current line of Latitude laptops to greatly simplify deployment and maintenance. Also, a patent-pending thermal management system allows the rugged laptop to use latest generation technology and deliver up to four times better graphics performance than the Panasonic CF-30.

The Latitude XFR D630 meets MIL-STD 810F standards from the Department of Defence for products that operate in extreme temperatures, moisture and altitude, to name a few. The system shares common images and components with Dell’s current line of Latitude laptops to greatly simplify deployment and maintenance. Also, a patent-pending thermal management system allows the rugged laptop to use latest generation technology and deliver up to four times better graphics performance than the Panasonic CF-30.

The Latitude XFR D630 leads major rugged laptop vendors in standard service with Next Business Day On-Site service for major components inside the laptop. Competitors require customers to return systems for service. Dell’s rugged laptop also allows users to service many components in the field.

The Latitude XFR D630 includes several features that keep users productive:

• Five times more data durability of leading competitors with solid state drives


• Latitude ExpressCharge charges batteries at least 30 minutes faster than competitors


• Outdoor readable screen at 500 nits


• Integrated resistive touch technology to easily interface with the system


• Shock isolated mounting to help protect hard drive, LCD and core electronic elements


• Dual locking butterfly mechanisms for easy access to components


• Sealed keyboard designed to withstand driving rain and dust

Windows Server 2008 – Faster and Greener on Dell

Dell is giving customers a new way to simplify IT by delivering optimized hardware and consulting services around Microsoft’s most advanced Windows Server operating system, Windows Server 2008. Available across Dell’s PowerEdgeTM server line, Windows Server 2008 – when optimized by Dell – can provide customers with more energy efficient computing, simplified virtualization and greater control for running mission critical business applications.

• PowerEdge M-Series servers running new operating system perform better, consume less energy than comparable HP and IBM systems


• “From the field” expertise simplifies Windows Server 2008 migrations
  Solutions offer ideal virtualization-ready platform

Dell has established comprehensive expertise in all aspects of Windows Server 2008 by working closely with Microsoft for the past three years and dedicating thousands of hours to developing field readiness and implementation capabilities. As a result, Dell created technology tools, processes and customizable infrastructure consulting services designed to enable automation of and to simplify Windows Server 2008 adoption.

“Windows Server 2008 will revolutionize the data center, and Dell is uniquely positioned to unlock and accelerate the potential of this next-generation operating system for our customers,” said Brad Anderson, Senior Vice President, Dell Business Product Group. “Combined with Dell technology and services, Windows Server 2008 is easier to configure and deploy and helps deliver on our goal of simplifying IT, enabling customers to reduce costs and complexity as they take data center computing to a new level.”

“Our customers are excited about the vibrant ecosystem that has developed around Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008,” said Bob Muglia, senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft Corp. “We look forward to continued work with Dell to extend the benefits of Windows Server 2008 to our customers across the globe.”

Helping Customers “Go Green” in the Data Center

New features in Windows Server 2008 help simplify power management, making it easier to reduce data center power consumption. These features, combined with Dell’s leading Energy Smart PowerEdge server and data center solutions, can enable customers to create more energy efficient data centers and effectively deliver on their corporate green IT initiatives.

For example, Dell’s PowerEdge M-Series blade server solution running Windows Server 2008 provides significant energy savings compared to similarly configured competitive systems. The PowerEdge M-Series consumes up to 10 percent less power and achieves up to 21 percent better performance per watt than the HP BladeSystem c-Class. Compared to the IBM BladeCenter H, the M-Series consumes 11 percent less energy and achieves up to 28 percent better performance per watt.

Dell PowerEdge servers provide an ideal platform for virtualization, and enable an easy path to a virtualized environment with the combination of Hyper-V technology built into Windows Server 2008. This combination can help customers simplify the way they consolidate, reduce power consumption and optimize their data center operations.

Simple and Flexible Windows Server 2008 Adoption

Dell offers a comprehensive portfolio of services to best meet the unique needs of customers with diverse IT infrastructures and help simplify the adoption of Windows Server 2008. Dell’s Global Infrastructure Consulting Services (GICS) helps accelerate Windows Server 2008 deployment time and maintenance by leveraging a validated, repeatable migration process. Dell GICS is designed to ensure customer migrations to Windows Server 2008 are “right-sized,” fast and reliable, with no interruption to their business operations.

Dell is working with customers worldwide to deliver smooth Windows Server 2008 migrations, with services and tools including:

• Factory testing and validation of Windows Server 2008 on Dell servers to help ensure it will work in customers’ IT environments;


• Dell’s Readiness Advisor Tool, an easy-to-use, free online tool that can help save customers time and money by scanning their networks to determine which Dell servers are ready for Windows Server 2008;


• Pre-installation of Microsoft security updates on every server, enabling more secure integration and faster deployment time; and


• Dell’s Windows Server 2008 Early Adopter Program, providing migration consultants with “from the field” expertise and enabling them to be optimally prepared to assist customers in the evaluation, assessment, design, migration to and implementation of Microsoft’s new operating system platform.

Dell First Computer Company to Join the Climate Group

Dell today became the first computer company to join The Climate Group, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental leadership, energy-efficiency and carbon-neutral operations.

• The Climate Group is a global non-profit organization that works with business and government leaders to address climate change and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
  
• The announcement was made at the Challenges and Opportunities in a Carbon Constrained World conference held today at the Federal Reserve Bank in Houston. The conference included senior managers from major companies involved in a variety of business segments to share experience and discuss practical approaches to preparing for doing business in a carbon-constrained economy.
  
• Dell’s progressive climate strategy takes into account environmental impacts from supplier operations, company-owned and leased operations, and customer product use. Dell currently has one of the lowest carbon intensities in the Fortune 50 and has pledged to reduce that an additional 15 percent by 2012.
  
• Dell has pledged carbon neutrality for company facilities, manufacturing operations and business air travel beginning in 2008.
  
• Dell was the first IT company to join the Carbon Disclosure Project’s Supply Chain Leadership Collaboration to help suppliers with emissions reporting, which Dell requires.
  
• Joining The Climate Group offers Dell the opportunity to contribute to and gain insights from participation in The Climate Group's Leadership Groups on Carbon Neutrality and Supply Chain, to leverage The Climate Group’s working relationships with policy makers in government and its international reach into China and the Asia Pacific region.

“The Climate Group is delighted to welcome Dell as the first IT member of our coalition of companies leading on climate change issues," said Chris Walker, North American Director of The Climate Group. "Dell revolutionized the PC business, and we believe it can do similarly great things for the IT industry's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Dell's extensive product reach into homes and offices creates the potential to make an even greater contribution to creating a low-carbon economy.”

“Dell’s commitment to becoming the ‘greenest’ technology company on the planet involves continually seeking ways to reduce our emissions, learn from others and share best practices worldwide,” said Gil Casellas, Dell vice president of corporate responsibility. “Working with The Climate Group and other stakeholders demonstrates our commitment to a cleaner Earth and low-carbon economy.”

About The Climate Group

The Climate Group is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with government and business leaders to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Its coalition of proactive leaders – from government, business and NGOs – has demonstrated that the emissions reductions needed to stop climate change can be achieved while boosting profitability and competitiveness. Companies, states, regions and cities around the world are realizing there are significant economic as well as environmental advantages of taking decisive action now. The Climate Group was founded in 2004 and has offices in the UK, US, China, India and Australia.

Dell Brings Full-Throttle Gaming Within Reach

The XPS 630 Delivers Elite Gaming Features, Technologies and Upgradability at an Affordable Price.

• With a starting price of $1,249, the XPS 630 delivers stellar performance with the latest technology and innovative features, all in sleek, compact brushed-aluminium chassis.
• Gamers won’t outgrow the XPS 630 because it’s based on a standard ATX chassis, making future upgrades easy. It’s ATI CrossFire and NVIDIA SLI-ready, and will support Corsair memory and Intel Extreme processors. Gamers can tweak performance by overclocking processor and memory through the control panel.
• “Since its inception, the Dell XPS line has been committed to delivering aggressive, competitive and attractive options for a broad spectrum of PC gamers,” said Arthur Lewis, head of Dell’s gaming group. “With the Dell XPS 630, we have the unique and exciting opportunity to offer a system that brings together the needs of enthusiasts and casual gamers.”
• The XPS 630 is ready out of the box to play favorite mainstream games like The Sims or Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and online games like Lord of the Rings:Shadows of Angmar. It can easily be upgraded to deliver extreme performance for more complex games like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and the highly anticipated Spore.
• The XPS 630 is the first OEM PC to support the new Enthusiast System Architecture (ESA), the industry's first open standard for delivering advanced levels of thermal management and control of other PC peripherals. Dell’s LightFX technology supports ESA so developers can create highly immersive gaming experiences synchronizing the LED lighting zones with the on-screen action in the game.
• Under the hood the XPS 630 features:
  - NVIDIA nForce650 SLI Chipset
  - NVIDIA SLI Single/Dual Graphic options
  - ATI Crossfire Single/Dual Graphic options
  - Overclockable Intel Processors
  - Overclockable Corsair® DOMINATOR® Memory
  - 750 Watt Power Supply
  - 4 Internal HDD bays (Up to 3 Factory-Installed)
  - 4 DIMM slots
  - Two PCIe X16 Graphic slots
  - Light FX 2.0 (4 lighting zones)
  - AGEIA PhysX Accelerator option
  - Blu-ray Disc Drive option
  - Red and Black Bezel Color Choice

Dell, VMware Delivering Virtualization Everywhere

Dell and VMware are helping to simplify virtualization for customers with a strategy that will deliver Dell PowerEdge servers embedded with VMware ESX 3i hypervisor with a "single click." The initiative, announced at VMworld, is the first in a series of innovations that will expand adoption of virtualization as a standard ingredient in data-center technology.

• Dell, VMware Broaden Relationship to Simplify Virtualization
• Customers Can Purchase Virtualization–Enabled Servers in a Single Click

Dell and VMware are helping to simplify virtualization for customers with a strategy that will deliver Dell PowerEdge servers embedded with VMware ESX 3i hypervisor with a "single click." The initiative, announced at VMworld, is the first in a series of innovations that will expand adoption of virtualization as a standard ingredient in datacentre technology.

Dell will begin the process of offering VMware ESX 3i hypervisor in all virtualization-certified Dell PowerEdge servers starting in early April. Customers will be able to purchase VMware with a single click easing virtualization planning, deployments and management.

“Virtualization radically simplifies IT – and we’re the only vendor delivering it to customers in a single click,” said Brad Anderson, Senior Vice President, Dell Business Product Group. “We’re unleashing the potential of virtualization - from servers through storage - and we’re making it simple for customers.”

“Dell and VMware are delivering on a shared vision for virtualization,” said Diane Greene, president and CEO of VMware. “Dell is virtualization-enabling their servers with the VMware ESX 3i hypervisor, giving the PowerEdge line standalone server consolidation capability. Customers can upgrade from the VMware ESX 3i hypervisor to VMware’s datacentre virtualization and management suite, VMware Infrastructure 3 (VI3). VI3 provides automatic load balancing, business continuity, power management and the ability to move a virtual machine across physical machines with no service interruption.”

Accelerating the Value of Virtualization

By making virtualization a mainstream, pervasive datacentre architecture, customers can help reduce capital and operating costs, improve security, ensure business continuity and deploy green IT environments.

Dell PowerEdge servers provide an ideal platform for customers to deploy these environments. The Dell PowerEdge 2950-III and Dell’s new PowerEdge M-Series blade solution own the no. 1 scores for servers for virtualization performance in their respective classes . The M-Series also provides lead-free configurations that help customers further minimize their environmental impact.

When combined with the recently announced Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Series storage arrays and Dell Virtualization Readiness Assessment Services, these solutions give customers a complete, simplified and greener end-to-end virtualization-ready data center.

The VMware ESX 3i hypervisor is based on core VMware virtualization technology in use by more than 100,000 customers. It is the industry’s smallest hypervisor (32MB), enabling high levels of security and reliability, and it is the only OS-independent virtualization platform. VMware ESX 3i hypervisor delivers single-server consolidation with fast and easy deployment—the first virtual machine can operate within minutes of booting a server with pre-configured and optimized hardware configurations.

Customers can upgrade from VMware ESX 3i hypervisor to VMware’s datacentre virtualization and management suite, VMware Infrastructure 3 (VI3). VI3 provides automatic load balancing, business continuity, power management and the ability to move a virtual machine across physical machines with no service interruption. VI3 is also compatible with VMware’s desktop virtualization and management solutions.

Dell Tablet PC Helps Health Care Go Mobile

Dell Teams With Software Vendors to Offer Innovative Tools on Latitude XT.

• The Dell Latitude XT brings more than its exclusive sub-four-pound weight and pen and capacitive touch capability to health care professionals. The Dell laptop, one of the thinnest and lightest convertible tablets in the industry, using software from a range of vendors including Axolotl, Sencor, e-MDs and Healthanywhere, is ushering in a new connected era in health care and life sciences.
• Software tools available on the XT enable diagnostic imaging and image sharing, electronic health records, home health and disease monitoring, clinical assessment tools, electronic prescribing, patient entertainment and education, claims and benefits administration. Health care providers already using any of these software tools can easily and smoothly incorporate the XT into their technology operations.
• “Technology can play a critical role in driving efficiencies and improvements in health care,” said James Coffin, Ph.D., vice president and general manager, Dell Health Care and Life Sciences. “The combination of Dell’s innovative tablet and the latest software delivers new tools to help enable high-quality care across the health care industry.”
• The following vendors’ software is validated to work with the Latitude XT running the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system:
  - Allen Technologies
  - Medkinetics
  - Axolotl
  - Neurostar
  - e-MDs
  - nSuite
  - Empiric
  - PeerVue
  - Endometric
  - Physmark
  - Global MindScreen
  - Practice IT
  - Healthanywhere
  - Ramsoft
  - Hermes Medical Solutions
  - Sencor
  - Logicom Health Systems
  - Sorna

Dell and GetWellNetwork Enable Patients to Take Advantage of the Latest Technology

The Interactive Patient Care System Allows Patients Bedside Access to Education, Communication and Entertainment Resources that are Integrated into the Delivery of Care.

• Interactive technology enables hospital patients to be actively involved in their care by automating patient education, pain assessment, patient satisfaction survey collection and more.


• The system automates administrative hospital tasks, allowing caregivers to have more time for patients.


• Agreement includes thousands of installations and can enhance the hospital stay for millions of patients.

Dell and GetWellNetwork, Inc. are teaming to help improve the patient experience at hospitals across the U.S. Through an interactive patient care system developed by GetWellNetwork, run on Dell hardware and deployed by Dell Services, hospital patients can access valuable information and services that are designed to improve their hospital stay and also make the delivery of care more efficient and consistent for caregivers.

Using Dell OptiPlex PCs and Dell PowerEdge servers, the GetWellNetwork system provides patients with an interactive resource through their bedside television monitor. Patients use a wireless keyboard or other handheld devices to navigate the GetWellNetwork system to access education, communication and entertainment tools.

"At Dell we're committed to bringing real solutions to our healthcare customers, and this is a great example. Dell is providing technology and services that enable GetWellNetwork's innovative system to offer patients a new type of interactive experience," said James Coffin, Ph.D., vice president and general manager of Dell Health Care and Life Sciences. “This is an excellent demonstration of how technology can help improve the quality of patient care.”

Dell Services handles the program management, installation and support, including customizing the hardware in the Dell factory and managing the deployment at individual hospitals. The GetWellNetwork and Dell solution affords hospitals the reassurance of deploying reliable hardware and receiving world-class support. In addition, hospitals gain Dell’s commitment to delivering the most advanced technology, further enhancing the impact of interactive patient care solutions.

“Our goal at GetWellNetwork is to be the global leader in Interactive Patient Care, as we empower patients by providing them with tools to be more active in their own treatment and recovery,” said Michael O’Neil, Jr., founder and chief executive officer of GetWellNetwork, Inc. “As our business expands in leading health systems, we are excited to have the depth and breadth of Dell’s solutions alongside us. Together with Dell, we are well positioned to continue expanding technology’s ability to significantly improve the patient’s experience throughout a hospital stay.”

The GetWellNetwork solution allows patients to become active in their care by automating patient education, pain assessment, patient satisfaction survey collection and more. In addition, the solution is an innovative approach to automating administrative hospital processes that often take the valued time of hospital staff, such as managing dietary needs, documentation or room maintenance.

“The patient is always our central concern and we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact this technology has on our patients,” said Heath Bell, chief information officer, Kish Health System, DeKalb, Ill. “We believe the innovative use of technology and the collaboration of Dell and GetWellNetwork helps us deliver a positive experience for our patients.”

Celebrities Join Tapestry Of Faces From All Walks Of Life In Dell Ad Celebrating Individuals Who Choose (RED)

“Faces in a Crowd”-Style Ad Represents the Collective Power of Individual Choices to Make a Significant Impact in Helping to Eliminate AIDS in Africa by Purchasing Dell (PRODUCT) RED Products.

• Ad features a tapestry of close-up candid portraits -- including celebrities —representing the collective power of individual choices to help eliminate AIDS in Africa by purchasing Dell (PRODUCT) RED products.


• Participating celebrities include Lukas Haas, Paz de la Huerta, Taylor Kitsch, Danny Masterson, Adam Scott and Stanley Tucci.


• Print ad will run in the following outlets:
  - Entertainment Weekly Feb. 22 issue
  - Glamour April issue
  - InStyle April issue
  - Oprah April issue
  - People Feb. 25 issue
  - Real Simple April issue
  - Us Weekly Feb. 25 issue


• Dell offers customers a simple way to help eliminate AIDS in Africa through the purchase of unique (PRODUCT) RED-branded personal computers or printer.


• In January Dell launched three (PRODUCT) RED-branded PCs powered by Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED, and a (PRODUCT) RED printer.


• All Dell (PRODUCT) RED PCs feature Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED.


• Dell is the exclusive partner for PCs and peripherals for (PRODUCT) RED.


• (RED), launched in 2006, is a brand – not a charity -- designed to engage business and consumer power in the fight against AIDS in Africa. To date, (RED) partners have contributed more than $60 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.


• Dell and Windows will contribute $80 for every XPS ONE (PRODUCT) RED sold and $50 for every (PRODUCT) RED notebook sold. Dell will also make a contribution of $5 for every 948 All-in-One (PRODUCT) RED printer sold.

Dell Completes Acquisition Of The Networked Storage Company

Dell has completed its acquisition of The Networked Storage Company (TNWSC), a leading IT consultancy that specializes in transitioning customers to proven, simplified and cost efficient IT data storage solutions. The purchase is an integral part of Dell’s overall Consulting strategy and is key to Dell’s commitment to Simplify customers’ IT infrastructures.

"IT Simplification for our customers is at the heart of every move we make," said Stephen Murdoch, vice president, Global Infrastructure Consulting Services, Dell. "IT infrastructure management and maintenance continue to be increasingly complex and costly. The Networked Storage Company’s Point of Proof methodology is targeted right at the heart of this problem – enabling us to offer customers a simple, cost effective and manageable route to robust infrastructure solutions".

Delivering Proven Results

The Point of Proof methodology provides a unique, auditable end-to-end process to evaluate, select and implement proven solutions, delivering robust, simplified and cost effective IT infrastructures. The approach, primarily implemented with storage networks, can be extended across the entire IT environment, helping to reduce overall costs and complexity of IT infrastructure maintenance and management.

Dell and Goodwill Launch Free Computer Recycling Service for Consumers in Northwest Ohio

Reconnect, a free drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers, was introduced today by Dell and Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio.

• Reconnect offers consumers in northwest Ohio free recycling for any brand of computer equipment in any condition.


• Program goals are to divert nearly 1 million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from area landfills over the next year; and provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally-responsible computer disposal. Reconnect also can help create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.


• Reconnect programs currently exist in Austin, Texas, (15 counties in Central Texas), San Francisco (Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties), San Antonio (23 counties in Central and South Texas), North Carolina (49 counties), San Diego County, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, as well as throughout the states of Michigan and New Jersey.

"Goodwill’s Reconnect program has the potential not only to divert environmentally dangerous products from the solid waste stream but also to provide new opportunities for disabled citizens throughout Northwest Ohio" said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.

“Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is very happy to begin the operational phase of our partnership with Dell,” said Bob Huber, Goodwill’s President and CEO. “Responsible recycling of e-waste is critical to our environment and we are excited to offer this program to the communities we serve. As the pilot for other Ohio Goodwills, we join Michigan and other Goodwill/Dell Reconnect partners around the country in this beneficial community effort while supporting Goodwill’s mission and creating new jobs.”

“Dell wants to make computer recycling easy and free for any consumer, and ReConnect is an important program that helps make that possible,” said Joe Strathmann, head of product recycling services for Dell. “Becoming the greenest technology company means partnering with communities, stakeholders and customers to help protect the Earth. Our latest Northwest Ohio partnership is an excellent example of that effort in action.”

About Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio

Since 1933, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio has provided employment and job training to individuals with disabilities and/or work-related disadvantages. As unemployment increases, so does the need for Goodwill’s services. Northwest Ohio Goodwill stores and donation centers are located in Bowling Green, Bryan, Defiance, Findlay, Napoleon, Northwood, Ottawa, Tiffin and Toledo.