Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network: Pay It Forward

Take 2 minutes and watch this video:

Stay tuned to learn how I am going to do my part to help women entrepreneurs by paying it forward so they can pay it forward.  I find Dell’s call to action compelling and I will be part of this movement.

Dave Gardner, Gardner & Associates Consulting  http://www.gardnerandassoc.com

Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network Istanbul 2013 Video Highlights

I’m just back from the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network’s annual global conference held June 2-4, 2013, in Istanbul, Turkey. This video captures reactions from many participants:

I’ll be writing much more about this event.

Dave Gardner, Gardner & Associates Consulting http://www.gardnerandassoc.com

Who Cares That Microsoft Windows 8 Is Here?

On Friday, October 26th, Microsoft officially launches Windows 8.

This new operating system release:

• has been acknowledged for at least one year by Microsoft,
• is well understood by the marketplace,
• has OEMs like Dell and HP offering new products tailored to exploit the new capabilities in Windows 8.

Who, other than Microsoft and the OEMs, is really excited about this launch?  Who is chomping at the bit for this?

Is it a game-changer that the business world will quickly migrate to?  I don’t think so.

Are consumers anxiously awaiting the arrival of Windows 8?  I’m not hearing about it.

Will people be lined up outside Microsoft stores, Best Buy and other places to get this?  I would guess a few will–there are always people who want to be first.

If I upgrade to Windows 8 on an existing non-touch-enabled computer, will I be able to take advantage of the touch capabilities in Windows 8? No. Touch-enabled hardware is required.

I asked a colleague, Paul Mooney (@Moon on Twitter), who I know through our work on Dell’s Customer Advisory Panel, what he thinks about it:

I’ve been running Windows 8 for months and without touch it’s a pain in the butt.  I have not heard about any company rolling-out Win8 and if they did it would cost them thousands of hours in lost productivity.  I’ve been able to adapt to it by creating short-cuts, but it’s really intended for a Tablet.

Is this what Microsoft wants to hear? Certainly not. And, it certainly is what IT organizations can pretty quickly ascertain on their own.

Organizations aren’t going to throw out their hardware and software to take full advantage of the new technology just because it’s new.  If Windows 8 is not “must have,” it will be put on the back burner. There may be niches where this will be an invaluable solution. How big are those niches?

So, I have to ask: After all is said and done, is anyone going to really care? Not the people that matter. Not the people who will require adoption of this operating system in huge quantities.

I don’t expect this to be a blockbuster product for Microsoft and its OEM partners over the next 12 months. Organizations won’t be clamoring for it.

Dave Gardner, Gardner & Associates Consulting http://www.gardnerandassoc.com

© 2012 Dave Gardner All Rights Reserved

Dell Announces New Business PCs for Evolving Workforce

I attended a preview of these products last week in San Francisco and am finally able to share this news:

ROUND ROCK, Texas, Sept. 19, 2012 –Dell today unveiled new additions to its state-of-the-art portfolio of business-class computers enabling  companies to  give employees devices they want to use while maintaining the IT security and manageability necessary for enterprise-class deployments. The three new devices include the Latitude 10-inch touch-enabled tablet, the Latitude 6430u Ultrabook that brings leading design to the boardroom, and a touch-enabled OptiPlex 9010 All-in-One desktop helping people interact with technology in more intuitive ways.

“Never before has the intersection between great design and data security and manageability been as important as employees increasingly ask for support for gorgeous products while IT needs to maintain corporate controls.  Dell is providing the answer with these new Latitude and OptiPlex products designed to inspire workers and meet the needs of IT,” said Sam Burd, global vice president, Personal Computing Product Group. “Dell’s approach is rooted in our heritage of deep familiarity with the needs of IT professionals combined with our new, world-class set of commercial products that meet user demands.”

Latitude 10 Tablet: Built for Versatility

The Latitude 10 is a 10-inch tablet that takes advantage of the latest advances in touch-enabled applications and allows businesses to confidently bring tablets into their enterprises. The Latitude 10 fits easily into current IT environments by supporting existing Microsoft productivity applications and plugging into existing management consoles. Like all Latitude products, the Latitude 10 is engineered for business productivity by providing easy support and maintenance like a swappable battery and robust security options like Dell Data Protection | Encryption, which encrypts all data from the hard drive to the USB port.

Dell understands some computing environments like healthcare, government and education require integration with specific industry software and additional levels of security will be offered with enhanced security features for industries where the ultimate in data protection is required. To address these needs, this product includes a fingerprint reader and smart card reader for effective two-factor authentication.

Latitude 6430u: Built for the Ultimate in Business Mobility

The Latitude 6430u is a 14-inch Ultrabook that strikes the balance between aesthetic appeal and corporate needs with the combination of security, manageability and durability in a thin, highly-mobile form factor and striking design. Designed to meet the to meet MIL-STD-810G testing, a United States Military test standard where systems are subjected to the harshest conditions, the  14-inch Latitude takes durability to new extremes .  The new design is 33 percent slimmer and 16 percent lighter than Dell’s current 14-inch Latitude notebook, making it a desirable option for mobile workers. Preliminary battery life testing shows all-day productivity with a single battery charge¹, an advantage for road warriors and always on-the-go sales executives.

The highly mobile Latitude 6430u builds on the success of the Dell XPS 13, by delivering a great design that also offers the security and manageability businesses need with the industry’s best data protection in Dell Data Protection|Encryption and  the industry’s best manageability with Intel® vPro™ Technology and Dell unique extensions.

 Dell OptiPlex 9010 All-in-One: Built for Collaboration

The sleek OptiPlex 9010 23-inch All-in-One continues to empower productivity while preserving precious desk space. As businesses incorporate touch interfaces into work environments, collaboration and productivity can increase, but some workers have space limitations. The business-class All-in-One offers options for a multipoint touchscreen, fixed or rotating camera, and an articulating stand to optimize the user’s work experience.

 Quotes

“Business class customers are looking for innovative, consumer-like form factors for their business PCs,” said Bob O’Donnell, program vice president, Clients and Displays, IDC.  “Vendors like Dell that can deliver these kinds of machines, while still maintaining the security and management capabilities and tools that businesses need, will be well-positioned to succeed with IT managers who want to stay on top of the consumerization trends impacting business IT.”

Availability:

The Latitude 10, Latitude 6430u and OptiPlex 9010 AIO will be available for sale with the launch of Windows 8.  More details on global pricing and dates will be announced when available.

 About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.com.

1 Based on preliminary testing using the Mobile Mark 2007 Productivity battery life benchmark test.  For more information about this benchmark test, visit www.bapco.com.  Test results should be used only to compare one product with another and are not a guarantee you will experience the same battery life.  Battery life may be significantly less than the test results and varies depending on your product’s configuration, software, usage, operating conditions, power management settings and other factors.  Maximum battery life will decrease with time and use. GB means 1 billion bytes and TB equals 1 trillion bytes; significant system memory may be used to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factor

Full Disclosure:  Dell gifted me the Dell XPS 13 ultrabook computer earlier this year.  I am on Dell’s Customer Advisory Panel.

Dave Gardner, Gardner & Associates Consulting http://www.gardnerandassoc.com

$100M Dell Innovators Credit Fund Ignites Startup Growth and Innovation

Exciting news from Dell today!

· New initiative targets startup debt capital needs, connects firms with scalable technology solutions, markets and networks for growth

NEW YORK, June 7, 2012—Dell today announced the Dell Innovators Credit Fund, a first-of-its-kind Dell financing initiative that provides entrepreneurs up to $100M in the financial and scalable technology resources they need to maximize potential for innovation, speed to market and job creation.

A new Technology CEO Council (TCC) paper reports the highest-growth startups generate an outsized share of new jobs in the United States: 40 percent of new jobs come from the top-performing 1 percent of companies in any given year. Additionally, Web-knowledgeable small- and midsize-firms in a range of industries outpace their less Internet-savvy counterparts in job creation by more than two to one, according to a McKinsey Global Institute study cited in the TCC report.

The Dell Innovators Credit Fund aims to get end-to-end, scalable technology solutions in the hands of growing businesses during that crucial early time in market. Through Dell Financial Services, qualified angel and venture-backed companies can access up to 10 percent of their funded amount, or up to $150,000, with accelerated, limited credit terms. For those in needs of higher credit, additional financing is available on a fast track basis with a few extra steps.[i]

“Behind most great company growth stories are pioneering uses of technology. In talking with business owners and listening to their needs, they tell us what they need most is access to capital and technology that enables them to grow,” said Steve Felice, Dell president and chief commercial officer. “Dell’s new Credit Fund provides credit and access to technology to help fuel global growth and innovation while helping startups preserve precious equity capital for other business needs.”

Dell Financing Fuels Startup Growth

The Dell Innovators Credit Fund was created by Dell’s first Entrepreneur in Residence, Ingrid Vanderveldt, with the support and guidance of Dell executives and team members as well as the esteemed 13-member Dell EIR Advisory Board consisting of today’s leading entrepreneurs, visionaries and innovators.

“Using the Dell Innovators credit to create our web-enabled and all-electric super scooters is really a win-win-win for our company, our investors and for Dell,” said Lauren Flanagan, executive chairman and angel investor of Ann Arbor-based Current Motor. “In exchange for a low monthly payment, we get one point of contact and a really comprehensive, scalable technology solution that allowed us to get to market six months ahead of schedule, while conserving our equity capital for sales, marketing, research and development.”

Dell Innovators Credit Fund customers also receive benefits including a dedicated Dell sales team and ProSupport Services for a single point of accountability with access to highly trained experts and 24/7 total support on their top technology needs.

“To build scalable, high-return startups, entrepreneurs need access to early stage capital and great resources,” says Marianne Hudson, Executive Director of the Angel Capital Association (ACA). “Through the launch of the Dell Innovators Credit Fund, Dell is helping promising entrepreneurs obtain the technology solutions they need to grow and get to market faster, while stretching the capital they receive from angels and venture investors.”

Dell’s Commitment To Entrepreneurs and Startups

Today’s announcement is the latest among Dell’s innovative initiatives – like the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network and recently announced 9-city Small Business tour –  aimed at fostering the growth of small and midsize entrepreneurial firms. 

 Also launching today is the expanded Dell Entrepreneur in Residence community that includes specialized advice for entrepreneurs who are self-funded, seeking funding or already funded. The community also has additional information on the Dell Innovators Credit Fund.  Entrepreneurs at all stages of growth are invited to join this community to access videos and case studies featuring successful businesses, advice from Dell and industry experts, and details on Dell initiatives and technology offerings.

Dell is committed to meeting the end-to-end needs of its customers—from the cloud to the data center to the desktop and out to the mobile endpoint with scalable IT solutionsthat are easy to use, quick to deploy and help customers of all sizes attain the innovation and efficiency they need to deliver real business value and results faster.

“Companies, like Current Motor and others we have pre-qualified for the Dell Innovators Credit Fund, value Dell’s design-to-scale’ approach and entrepreneurial mindset that guides the creation of technology solutions that are agile, affordable and can grow as they do,” said Ingrid Vanderveldt, Dell’s first Entrepreneur in Residence. “Through its technology solutions, recently created Office of the Entrepreneur in Residence, and game changers like the Dell Innovators Credit Fund, Dell is committed to fueling the growth of entrepreneurs and the jobs they create.”

For more information about Dell Innovators Credit Fund, visit www.dell.com/eir. Applications open Thursday, June 7, 2012.

About Dell

As the visionary outcome of a true entrepreneur, Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) is committed to helping small and medium businesses grow and better serve their customers by drawing greater value from technology.

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[i] All extensions of credit are subject to credit review and approval by Dell Financial Services and execution of agreements provided by and acceptable to Dell Financial Services.  Ten percent of funded amount is based on equity raised in preceding 90 days.  Fast track financing decisions for higher credit requests may be reached in as quickly as two to three days of receipt of requisite information.

Note: This is really exciting news.  Full disclosure:  I am a member of Dell’s Customer Advisory Panel.

Dave Gardner, Gardner & Associates Consulting, http://www.gardnerandassoc.com

Dave Gardner on Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook