Dell computer corporation

AUSA sustaining member profile: Dell Computer Corporation

Corporate Structure: Number of Employees: 34,600. Founded: 1984. Chairman and CEO: Michael Dell. Mailing address: One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682. Manufacturing facilities: Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Eldorado do Sul, Brazil. Revenue (last four quarters): $31.2 billion. Market position: No. 1 computer systems provider in United States.

Dell is the world's most preferred computer systems company, providing the products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Dell has long been distinguished from the competition because of its unique direct business model. Dell's direct model allows government customers to place customized orders for cost-effective, industry-standard products and services that can help them reduce their total cost of operations to support major information technology (IT) initiatives. In addition, the knowledge gained from direct contact with customers before and after the sale allows Dell to address the distinct needs and challenges of all business sectors as well as those of individual customers. This understanding is particularly important in the government sector because of its unique requirements for procuring and deploying IT.

Dell has a dedicated sales force that exclusively serves three segments within the government: defense and intelligence organizations, federal civilian agencies and state and local governments. Currently, Dell serves more than 10,000 departments and agencies across these three divisions. Account representatives are in constant contact with customers, ensuring that the customers' needs are addressed as they arise.

Dell provides the General Services Administration Schedule online (http://rcommerce.us.dell.com/rcomm/cat_disc.asp) in order to make purchasing systems faster and easier. In addition, through the Premier Dell.com service, military customers can easily configure, order and purchase preapproved, prenegotiated Dell systems. Dell also understands how its products and services comply with federal regulations as well as the reporting and record keeping requirements, making the procurement process simple and easy for government customers.

Dell works with its military customers to design and implement IT solutions around the world to accomplish initiatives that never could have been done before industry standards became widely adopted. Dell is able to help the military connect its troops, as well as deploy and manage forces, materials and weapons more easily and efficiently than ever before. Technologies like e-mail and the Internet allow troops around the world to stay in contact with each other, as well as their families back home.

One example of the military's innovative use of technology is Dell's deployable solution designed in partnership with the Department of Defense. The deployable solution acts as an IT operations center for troops in the field and consists of a casing unit designed and manufactured specifically for each customer. The case is made of hardened plastic with shock absorbers mounted inside to protect the hardware. The combination of a sturdy shell and shock absorption makes the solution rugged enough to be sent into the field while still functioning effectively.

Depending on the customer's requirements, the cart can contain Dell PowerEdge(TM) servers, PowerConnect(TM) switches, Latitude(TM) notebooks and TrueMobile(TM) wireless access points for e-mail and Internet access. The deployable solution can also come preloaded with any specific applications the customer requires, including tactical programs, simulation programs and e-mail. The hardware and networking capabilities in the solution ensure that communication among troops, their headquarters and their families is fast and easy.

Dell's commitment extends not only to its military customers but also to its own employees who serve in the military. In August 2001, Dell was the first major high-tech employer to sign a Statement of Support of the Guard and Reserve which guarantees that part-time National Guard and Reserve employees will be granted leaves of absence for military operations and training and confirms Dell's promise to provide them with fair access to career opportunities. Dell also is supplementing the base military pay of its reserve component employees who require time off for active duty. Eligible employees will receive up to 100 percent of their base Dell salary.

Dell has had a long history with the military and will continue to foster its relationship with new and existing customers in all branches. The company is committed to providing top quality hardware and services and will continue to find ways to make it easier for customers like the U.S. Army to achieve their IT goals. Dell, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, Latitude and TrueMobile are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation.