Dell Finally Listens to the Market, Opens Wider for Open Source

I believe that Dell (DELL) is, finally, listening to the market. The hardware giant spent recent weeks gathering data about customers' interest in Linux desktops and notebooks. And on the server, Dell continues to show more love for MySQL--the increasingly popular open source database. Both moves should soon make Dell's hardware more attractive to customers who are seeking flexible, cost-effective alternatives to Microsoft (MSFT) and Oracle (ORCL) software.

Dell is “crafting product offerings” in response to customer demand for Linux desktops and notebooks, according to the company’s Direct2Dell blog. Dell on March 23 completed an online customer survey about Linux. According to the company, the survey results will help Dell to “define our forthcoming Linux-based systems offerings.” Hmm. Dell already has good relationships with Novell (NOVL) and Red Hat (RHT). But I wouldn’t be surprised if Ubuntu Linux makes a surprise appearance on Dell desktops and notebooks really soon.

On the server, Dell continues to strengthen its relationship with MySQL--the open source alternative to databases from IBM, Microsoft and Oracle. This April, Dell will be among the top two sponsors for the MySQL Conference and Expo in Santa Clara, Calif. (The conference's other top sponsor, by the way, is Dell rival Hewlett-Packard Co.)

Over the past few years, Dell has become the largest reseller of Oracle databases, according to an Oracle spokesperson. Dell now hopes to repeat that formula for success with MySQL. This wasn't an overnight decision. Dell quietly sponsored the MySQL conference in 2005. The two companies have also developed promotional materials to stir interest in their integrated solutions.

I have myself called on Dell to increase its open source initiatives as part of a broader turnaround strategy for the company.

Comments

[Malkiel:]

Well, I guess we have to commend Dell for taking a risk to satisfy customers even though the idea has a high probability of failure. I think most of the people asking for that on the forum were imagining their favorite distribution of Linux (there are still some fanatics out there demanding it be called GNU/Linux, to which I say, give it a rest!) and won't buy any other. We'll see if the fragmentation problem kills the idea.

I will say that if Canonical can work with Dell to get a smoothly working dedicated configuration for Ubuntu that will be a big shot in the arm for that distro and a boost for Linux as a whole--persistent problems with wireless connectivity and monitor resolution and drivers on laptops are hampering Ubuntu's ascendency as the Linux for Everyman.

2007 Mar 29 12:26 PM