Denis Waitley provides us a very clever quote regarding change. We all expect technology to change and evolve over time. How our customers consume technology is also changing. Over the past year, Tier 1 technology leaders like Dell, HP, IBM and Lenovo have initiated substantial changes to the way they do business and support their customers. IBM recently sold their x86 server line to Lenovo; HP announced it is splitting its enterprise hardware and service division from its computer and printer business to form two separate, public companies. Dell recently made the significant transition from public to private. Michael Dell acknowledged this “turmoil” in his opening speech at Dell World last month asking the crowd, “Who is this for? Does this actually help the customers? Does it help them create the next great innovative products?” OEMs using or planning to use these products are understandably nervous.
Despite the uneasiness, for many OEMs moving to a new solution is not an option. The fact is that that, Dell, HP & Lenovo all make great products. In addition, these powerhouse organizations are able to offer reduced lead times and extensive global support services to their customers.