Full Description

Dell Inc. (Dell) is a technology company that designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports a range of products. Its product categories include mobility products, desktop personal computers (PCs), software and peripherals, servers and networking, services, and storage. The Company manages its business in four operating segments: Americas Commercial; Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Commercial; Asia Pacific-Japan (APJ) Commercial, and Global Consumer. During the fiscal year ended January 30, 2009 (fiscal 2009), the Company acquired the Networked Storage Company. In April 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of MessageOne, Inc., a company engaged in providing software-as-a-service (SaaS)-enabled, enterprise-class, e-mail business continuity, compliance, archiving and disaster recovery services. In January 2009, the Company acquired the Microsoft IT consulting and solutions segments of Allin Corporation.

Mobility

The XPS and Alienware lines of notebook computers are targeted at customers seeking experiences and designs available, from sleek, elegant, thin, and light notebooks to the performance gaming systems. During fiscal 2009, the Company introduced the Studio line of consumer notebooks with multimedia elements. The Inspiron line of notebook computers is designed for consumers seeking the latest technology and performance in a stylish and affordable package. During fiscal 2009, it added the three-generation (3G) enabled Mini, a light, highly mobile notebook, to the Inspiron line. The Latitude line is designed to help business, government, and institutional customers manage their total cost of ownership through managed product lifecycles and the latest offerings in performance, security, and communications. The Vostro line is designed to customize technology, services, and expertise to suit the specific needs of small businesses. The Dell Precision line of mobile workstations is intended for professional users.

Desktop Personal Computers

The XPS and Alienware lines of desktop computers are targeted at customers seeking experiences and designs available, from multimedia capability to the gaming performance. The OptiPlex line is designed to help business, government, and institutional customers manage their total cost of ownership by offering a portfolio of secure, manageable, and stable lifecycle products. The Inspiron line of desktop computers is designed for mainstream PC users requiring features for their productivity and entertainment needs. The Vostro line is designed to provide technology and services to suit the specific needs of small businesses. In July 2008, it introduced the Studio line of consumer desktops, which includes the Hybrid. Dell Precision desktop workstations are intended for professional users who required performance from hardware platforms optimized and certified to run applications, such as those needed for three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design, digital content creation, geographic information systems, computer animation, software development, computer-aided engineering, game development, and financial analysis.

Software and Peripherals

The Company offers Dell-branded printers and displays, and a multitude of third-party peripheral products, including software titles, printers, televisions, notebook accessories, networking and wireless products, digital cameras, power adapters, scanners, and other products. It sells a range of third-party software products, including operating systems, business and office applications, anti-virus and related security software, entertainment software, and products in various other categories. During fiscal 2009, it launched the Dell Download Store, an online software store for consumers, and small-and-medium-sized businesses. The Company offers an array of Dell-branded printers, ranging from all-in-one ink jet printers for consumers to large multifunction devices for corporate workgroups. It offers a line of branded and non-branded display products, including flat panel monitors and projectors.

Servers and Networking

Dell’s standards-based PowerEdge line of servers is designed to offer customers performance, reliability and scalability. It also offers customized Dell server solutions for very large data center customers. During fiscal 2009, it released a line-up of dedicated virtualization solutions, including new servers, tools, and services. Its PowerConnect switches connect computers and servers in small-to-medium-sized networks.

Services

The Company’s global services business offers a range of configurable information technology (IT) services that help commercial customers and channel partners plan, implement, and manage IT operations and consumers install, protect, and maintain their computer systems and accessories. Its consulting services help customers evaluate, design, and implement standards-based IT infrastructures. Its deployment services simplify and accelerate the deployment of enterprise products and computer systems in customers’ environments.

The Company offers a variety of flexible services for the secure and environmentally safe recovery and disposal of owned and leased IT equipment. Its training courses include hardware and software training, as well as computer system skills and professional development classes available through instructor-led, virtual, or self-directed online courses. Dell’s suite of scalable support services is designed for IT professionals and end-users whose needs range from basic phone support to rapid response and resolution of complex problems. It offers flexible levels of support that span from desktop and notebook PCs to complex servers and storage systems. Its support services include warranty services and proactive maintenance offerings to help prevent problems, as well as rapid response and resolution of problems. These services are supported by Dell’s network of Global Command Centers in the United States, Ireland, China, Japan, and Malaysia. The Company offers a suite of managed service solutions for companies who desire outsourcing of some or all of their IT management. It can manage a portion of their IT tasks or provide an end-to-end solution.

Storage

Dell offers a portfolio of advanced storage solutions, including storage area networks, network-attached storage, direct-attached storage, disk and tape backup systems, and removable disk backup. With its storage solutions for mainstream buyers, the Company offers customers functionality.

Financial Services

Dell offers or arranges various customer financial services for its business and consumer customers in the United States through Dell Financial Services L.L.C. (DFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dell. DFS offers a range of financial services, including originating, collecting, and servicing customer receivables related to the purchase of Dell products. DFS offers private label credit financing programs through CIT Bank to qualified consumer and small business customers, and offers leases and fixed-term financings to business customers.