Dell: We’re Gearing up to Build for the Windows 8 Future
Michael Dell has gone on the record with Bloomberg, revealing that Dell plans to gear up its resources to build Windows 8 tablets as soon as it can. With a big-name vendor such as Dell jumping on board the Windows 8 bandwagon, what can we expect in the tablet space at the end of 2012? Let’s take a look, because the channel needs to know …
Bloomberg.com‘s interview included Dell revealing:
“Having a secure Windows tablet that works with all the Windows applications — we’re hearing a lot of demand for that and we think that will be quite attractive …”
According to the Bloomberg story, Dell promised “[Dell] will start selling computers running the new Microsoft Corp. software ‘on the exact day’ [Windows 8] becomes available,” and the new tablets will be ultra-business-focused. Dell also will continue to roll out Android-based devices, which is a particularly interesting strategy. Why? Because it’s a sign of change; Dell lately has switched its focus from the consumer space to primarily its SMB/enterprise portfolio, such as its Fluid Storage architecture.
You may not want Windows 8, but you should care about its arrival, because Windows 8 tablets have a huge potential to shake up the tablet and computing industry. I’ve already disclosed why I believe they’ll usurp Android tablets, and I think Windows 8 could seriously give Apple a run for its money, too. But more importantly, Windows 8 tablets likely will invade the corporate environment fast and furious, since it’s Windows, and that carries with it some inherent compatibility promises. But tablet proliferation will inherently change the way data center needs are handled, from mobile device management to next-gen firewalls. That’s where the channel can really step in. It’s can’t be said enough: Windows 8 tablets present a unique opportunity for the channel to take disorderly mobile devices and file them into a well-organized device management solution. Stay alert and stay tuned.
Dell will either float to the top with it or sink with that ship.
Unicorn: Isn’t your statement true of the entire Windows-centric PC industry?
-TVG
Window tablets making a dent in the tablet market seems to be a bigger gamble to me.