Joe Panettieri_

Cisco and Competition

Cisco vs. 3Com is like Microsoft vs. Corel.

Can Sun Rise Again?

Completely Agree with YouMustBeKidding: Sun's software team is cleaning up the mess left by the hardware and systems people who tried to milk customers for high hardware margins.

Microsoft's Savvy Open Source Move

Just to be clear: I'm not taking sides. I see value in Windows Server for some apps, Linux for others. But there are folks who draw the line and insist that Microsoft is all bad and Linux is all good. I don't see it that way.

At the end of the day, competition drives innovation forward, lowers prices and ensures customer choice.

Dell's IdeaStorm: Social Network Driving Business Innovation

No need to thank me, Dawn. I dish out praise when companies deserve it. And I am quick to pile on the criticism when that's warranted, too.

Where's My Dell Ubuntu Linux PC?

Well, the good news is the system has actually shipped. (Thank you for the update, Richard.) I've updated my personal blog over at TechIQ magazine to let readers know the system is nearing my office.

But I wonder how things are going within Dell. This particular order was not a train wreck. Just a small delay. But in the world of instant satisfaction during a visit to the Apple Store, I wonder how Dell will continue to enhance the customer experience -- whether online or at Wal-Mart ... ... ...

I'm fortunate that I'm in a position where my company purchased the Apple MacBook for business use and I was able to spend my own dough on a Dell/Ubuntu system for personal use. For me, it wasn't either-or. And I didn't require a rush delivery.

I have to admit: I'm dying to know if Dell is experiencing stronger-than-anticipa... demand for the Ubuntu Linux systems. Or are people like me spending far too much time writing about a niche product that will represent fewer than 1 percent of Dell's consumer PC sales for the foreseeable future?

I suppose we'll have our answer in a few short weeks. If sales are strong, it's safe to bet that Dell will issue some sort of press release recapping initial sales over a 30, 60 or 90-day period.

Cheers,
-jp

Apple's Next Boost: Tech Data Corp Offering Macs Preloaded With Windows

I want to be clear here: Although I am on Mac OS full-time I do realize that 85 to 90 percent of the market or so will continue to prefer Windows. But that's ok. I'm just thrilled that there's a 10 to 15 percent alternative and there's real customer choice in the market for the first time in more than a decade. I addition to Mac OS, I plan to be running Ubuntu Linux on my Dell PCs at home sometime this summer. And, sometime after Vista Service Pack 1 arrives, I will give that a try.

But the key point here: Apple is no longer a tiny niche solution. It's at 5 percent market share and growing on the desktop. With a little luck -- and some help from Apple, Dell, HP, Tech Data, etc. -- we'll see Apple Mac OS and Linux combine for 15 percent desktop market share in the US within a year or two. Mark my words.

Apple's iPhone and the Future of Cisco

Actually, the potential Cisco-Apple connection will have very little to do with Cisco’s Linksys business. Instead, watch for Cisco and Apple to potentially announce a relationship that allows Apple iPhones to work with unified networks and related software from Cisco. Details at
TechIQ magazine from The VAR Guy.

Is CA Inc Really Back From the Brink?

Got an email from a CA spokesman who pointed out that CA has, indeed, started to simplify the naming of our brands. The company is dropping its various sub-brands (eTrust, Unicenter, BrightStor, etc.) and product brand names (PestPatrol, Endevor, FileSurf, etc.) and are starting to use “CA” and a product descriptor. Unicenter Service Desk, for example, will become CA Service Desk, and eTrust Access Control will become CA Access Control.

I had heard rumblings about this possibility several months ago. It will take CA extended time to established the new brands. But change apparently is under way. So, perhaps we're down to two concerns about the new CA? Anybody else care to weigh in?
-jp

Are Dell and Red Hat Discussing a Desktop Linux Deal?

Thank you for pointing out Mr. Dell's investment in Red Hat. I had forgotten about that piece of info and will check the status.
-jp

Cisco vs. Microsoft: SAP Joins the Showdown

Hi Folks: One small clarification. The Cisco/SAP relationship for the most part focuses on big enterprises rather than small businesses.
- Joe Panettieri (The VAR Guy)

Dell Prepares to Polish Its Brand, Hires First-Ever Chief Marketing Officer

Richard: Good to hear Dell is listening. I've got a Dell plasma, a Dell 26-LCD and Dell computers all over my house. But I haven't spent money with Dell, as I mentioned, since about 2005. As my blog indicates, I've been down on Dell. But that doesn't mean I'll quit on Dell. I do see room in my house for Dell/Linux with Apple/MacOS.

And our business runs a combo of Dell and Apple. I will let you know ... honestly ... if Dell is meeting my expectations. You used to exceed them. And it sounds like Dell is determined to exceed them again.

By the way, you did managed to exceed my expectations in one area: Your open dialog on your blog about Dell and the possibility of offering Linux on desktops/mobile systems. The survey about Linux customer requets was welcome. And your follow-up was certainly timely.

I'm not here to bash Microsoft. But I am here to say the world wants alternatives. Good to hear Dell is listening.
- Joe Panettieri (The VAR Guyt)
techiqmag.com

Memo to Michael: 10 Ways Get Dell Back on Track

The blog's author is a Mac user who was previously a Dell customer. He strongly doubts that Apple would consider a partnership with Dell. Apple's brand is all about quality and the user experience. Dell's brand is all about high-volume sales and built-to-order. The two brands don't go together.