Dell Corp. seems to be stuck between a rock and a hard place.
In as recent proxy filing written to help bail the company out of some financial hot water, Dell stated that:
“the deteriorating outlook for the PC market as a result of, among other things, smartphones and tablets cannibalizing PC sales, the uncertain adoption of the Windows 8 operating system and unexpected slowdowns in enterprise Windows 7 upgrades, and faster than expected declines in PC shipments in emerging markets”
In claiming that “the uncertain adoption of the Windows 8 operating system” is partly responsible for their current decline, it’s in essence placing a good part of the blame on Microsoft for Dell’s failing PC business. In fact, in an article done here in the Daily Flux back in early March called, “Microsoft Feels The Repercussion Of Declining PC Sales & Their Tablets Are Causing Near Equal Problems”, Samsung said nearly the same thing: “Samsung has abandoned their sales of Ativ Tab Windows RT tablet in Germany. Samsung attributes their leaving it behind due to Microsoft’s failure to explain adequately explain Windows RT to the public”
Michael Dell, Dell’s founder, can’t be happy.
The NY Post says that, “the 48-year-old executive of the struggling PC maker thinks Microsoft is the cause of some of the headwinds Dell is now facing.” Ironically though Microsoft infused Dell with a 2B investment to help keep them afloat recently when Dell announced their financial woes. Dell actually needs some 24B to cover their problems and is still scrounging for investors. So first Dell blames Microsoft and Windows 8 for their problems. Then Microsoft comes to the rescue with financial backing. And now Microsoft wants Dell to do what? Sell more of their problems? – Windows 8.
According to PC World Dell now plans to release tablets running Windows 8 and Window RT later this year.
Liliputing.com said it best. “If Windows RT is a failure, Dell apparently didn’t get the memo.”
This doesn’t sound to be a recipe for success, but that’s probably why Dell plans head for more diversified ground. “Dell has officially announced it is dipping its toes into the waters of Linux gaming, launching an Alienware-branded mini gaming PC running Canonical’s Ubuntu Linux.” That according to Bit-Tech.
It’s not over for Dell just yet, but if they continually rely on Microsoft and are in anyway taking orders from the Redmond corporation, it may certainly be a trying and even disastrous road ahead.