Search results for 'app:weblogs' matching tag 'Simplify IT'

Shaping IT Change in Russia

david_marmonti — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Having recently returned from Russia, I was impressed with the rapid pace of growth of the IT market in this dynamic country – the number of internet users there has grown more than 800% over the last seven years. Since entering the Russian market in 1993, Dell has developed new and unique ways to build our business there. Looking ahead, our expectation is that in five years time, Russia will be our largest country from a share perspective in EMEA.

At Dell, we’re always listening, identifying and responding to customer needs. Meeting with customers in Russia gave me insight into their day-to-day IT challenges including how to balance increasingly demanding IT requirements in a manageable and straightforward way. Our response to this is simplifying IT, making technology more accessible, easy to buy, implement and manage. Our team in Russia has just unveiled Dell’s Simplify IT strategy in St Petersburg. Co-sponsored with our partner Intel, we’re hosting a series of conferences for customers, partners and media in Russia’s largest cities.

Russia represents challenges in terms of meeting our customers’ needs; its vast territory, multiple time zones as well as complexities around mail and distribution networks, means that delivery of products and services can be challenging. As such, we recently expanded our service support infrastructure to reach customers and consumers in 76 cities all over Russia.

Dell has also adopted a unique sales approach in Russia that enables us to reach more customers in a flexible way through partners. Our partnership agreements have grown in sync with the market, with different distributors for consumers, small and medium enterprises and corporate customers. We now have 15 authorized distributors across the country and our partner network is set to grow in line with local demands.

Our retail presence is another exciting growth area for Dell’s business, offering consumers some of the most technologically advanced products available in Russia today. I visited Dell’s Moscow store and it was great to see our Inspiron and Vostro ranges. You can see me and some of the Dell team in the store in the photo below.

All in all, Russia brings Dell the opportunity to set new standards in IT innovation. It’s all about responding to and meeting our unique customer needs here, ensuring an innovative and efficient product and services offer delivered through a range of effective platforms.

Left to right: Konstantin Korviakov – Dell, Jean Jacques Maucuer – Dell, Malozenkova Anastasya – Nexus, Pim Dale, me and Chibisov Vitaly – Nexus.

Note from Lionel: The EMEA Team posted more photos from Russia on the Dell Flickr site.

Shaping IT Change in Russia

david_marmonti — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Left to right: Konstantin Korviakov – Dell, Jean Jacques Maucuer – Dell, Malozenkova Anastasya – Nexus, Pim Dale, me and Chibisov Vitaly – Nexus.

Note from Lionel: The EMEA Team posted more photos from Russia on the Dell Flickr site.

How is Dell addressing today's more mobile workforce?

margaret_franco — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

It seems like everyone and everything is going mobile, especially in business. Greater mobility in the workforce, however, is radically changing, which presents some issues for the IT people that have to manage mobile devices. IDC started talking about this a couple years ago, and the blogosphere is starting too.

You might be wondering what Dell's view is on this and what we're doing to make mobility better. It's natural to think that we focus on traditional notebook computers, but that is only a small part of the story. Mobility is more about connecting information and people, not any one type of device. When you think about it, we really have two groups to please: the people using computers and mobile devices, and the IT people that have to manage the devices.

When it comes to mobility, we're seeing the power curve radically changing. End users are demanding that their mobile devices be easier to use, more secure, more powerful, always on, and more connected. This includes PCs, phones, PDAs, notebooks, tablets, email devices, RFID and others. IT management is trying to make this happen, while at the same time trying to manage it all and protect the company. So we expanded our thinking and developed a set of core beliefs about mobile computing. These core beliefs shape not only what we offer to end users and IT management today, but also what we are developing in the future.

Seamless Platforms: Expectations and use of devices is fundamentally changing, and are often diverging. Devices and the platforms that support them are going to evolve to meet these changing needs. Email, phones, IM, contacts, blogs, and data need to be interchangeable and accessible irrespective of the platform. This is why Dell is developing, partnering, and working with the ecosystem that makes it easy to manage and use all types of information across all types of devices.
Always on: Users expect to be wirelessly connected at all times. Technologies that know where you are and how you are connected are revolutionizing mobility. We're simplifying things like unified communications, and adding technologies like RFID and GPS to the ever broadening wireless connectivity to ensure that every device is connected all the time.
Natural interface: Keyboards are great, but people want other interfaces too. Sometimes that means things like pen devices on tablet computers or touch screens. Or it could mean ultra small computers or even extra wide models. Choice of interface will be critical because it needs to match the user, not have the user match the interface. We're developing some technologies that will surprise you. One example is the Tablet XT which featured capacitive touch technology, a truly addictive capability that users soon expect to be in every panel device, not just their tablet computer.
Always secure: Users want security to be both transparent and strong. That's why Dell is simplifying security so IT can easily protect the infrastructure, yet still make it easy for users. We already offer tools for physical, identity, and data security, but these will be made even easier for users with things like fingerprint ID, facial identification, and other user-friendly methods.
Single Identity: Users will demand a single identity for all devices, which means that physical and logical access methods will converge. We're driving ways to simplify how companies manage identities on every device that provides needed security and meets end-user demands. Dell is leading here too in the development of proximity devices and software that makes it easy to manage credentials.
Choice of devices: No one device is going to be right for every user, so the standard notebook will evolve into a flexible device allowing multiple usage-based operating modes. Each individual needs to work in different ways. Sometimes wirelessly connected, sometimes in power saving mode and sometimes plugged into a stationary environment. The focus is to take one singular powerful computing platform and that can specialize the usage modes for the needs of the users.
Greener: Today we're delivering devices that are designed to use less power, are manufactured in more eco-friendly ways, and that offer easy ways to offset the carbon footprint. Dell is leading here too, not only in our Energy Smart products and services, but in our policies, procedures, recycling, and company goals.
Customizable: The old way was for company IT to deliver the same notebook to everyone. The new way is that users want computing devices that meet their needs and reflect how they use them, not to be forced to use only the standard issue. So the old model of total cost of ownership (TCO) will go out the window. Return on investment -- and the productivity you get from your workers -- will rule.
Simpler: IT is demanding smarter and simpler solutions to minimize the mundane and help their businesses innovate. So Dell is focusing on not only hardware, but the management layer of new devices too, to minimize the amount of time IT spends on maintenance and free resources for innovation.
Work/Life Enabler: Perhaps the most interesting change is that computing and communications devices have become tools of life. As such, they will need to fit better with the places they are used. Rather than just making a newer or faster device, we take more time to listen to customers and understand their usage. That way, we're developing solutions that satisfy and delight them.

I'm not asking you to simply take my word for it. In fact, I'm more interested in what you think and what you need. Please share your thoughts here.

How is Dell addressing today's more mobile workforce?

margaret_franco — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Seamless Platforms: Expectations and use of devices is fundamentally changing, and are often diverging. Devices and the platforms that support them are going to evolve to meet these changing needs. Email, phones, IM, contacts, blogs, and data need to be interchangeable and accessible irrespective of the platform. This is why Dell is developing, partnering, and working with the ecosystem that makes it easy to manage and use all types of information across all types of devices.
Always on: Users expect to be wirelessly connected at all times. Technologies that know where you are and how you are connected are revolutionizing mobility. We're simplifying things like unified communications, and adding technologies like RFID and GPS to the ever broadening wireless connectivity to ensure that every device is connected all the time.
Natural interface: Keyboards are great, but people want other interfaces too. Sometimes that means things like pen devices on tablet computers or touch screens. Or it could mean ultra small computers or even extra wide models. Choice of interface will be critical because it needs to match the user, not have the user match the interface. We're developing some technologies that will surprise you. One example is the Tablet XT which featured capacitive touch technology, a truly addictive capability that users soon expect to be in every panel device, not just their tablet computer.
Always secure: Users want security to be both transparent and strong. That's why Dell is simplifying security so IT can easily protect the infrastructure, yet still make it easy for users. We already offer tools for physical, identity, and data security, but these will be made even easier for users with things like fingerprint ID, facial identification, and other user-friendly methods.
Single Identity: Users will demand a single identity for all devices, which means that physical and logical access methods will converge. We're driving ways to simplify how companies manage identities on every device that provides needed security and meets end-user demands. Dell is leading here too in the development of proximity devices and software that makes it easy to manage credentials.
Choice of devices: No one device is going to be right for every user, so the standard notebook will evolve into a flexible device allowing multiple usage-based operating modes. Each individual needs to work in different ways. Sometimes wirelessly connected, sometimes in power saving mode and sometimes plugged into a stationary environment. The focus is to take one singular powerful computing platform and that can specialize the usage modes for the needs of the users.
Greener: Today we're delivering devices that are designed to use less power, are manufactured in more eco-friendly ways, and that offer easy ways to offset the carbon footprint. Dell is leading here too, not only in our Energy Smart products and services, but in our policies, procedures, recycling, and company goals.
Customizable: The old way was for company IT to deliver the same notebook to everyone. The new way is that users want computing devices that meet their needs and reflect how they use them, not to be forced to use only the standard issue. So the old model of total cost of ownership (TCO) will go out the window. Return on investment -- and the productivity you get from your workers -- will rule.
Simpler: IT is demanding smarter and simpler solutions to minimize the mundane and help their businesses innovate. So Dell is focusing on not only hardware, but the management layer of new devices too, to minimize the amount of time IT spends on maintenance and free resources for innovation.
Work/Life Enabler: Perhaps the most interesting change is that computing and communications devices have become tools of life. As such, they will need to fit better with the places they are used. Rather than just making a newer or faster device, we take more time to listen to customers and understand their usage. That way, we're developing solutions that satisfy and delight them.

I'm not asking you to simply take my word for it. In fact, I'm more interested in what you think and what you need. Please share your thoughts here.

Dell Helps Large Business Customers Through Operating System Migration Services

Lionel_Menchaca — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Today we unveiled a new service called Client Migration Solution. It's an integrated set of assessment, design, deployment and management services with tools that our service team tells me can reduce migration costs by up to 62 percent and desk-side time and labor by 88 percent.

This migration service is designed for organizations planning an operating system migration or hardware deployment of 2,500 systems or more. It simplifies the process by addressing common challenges such as network utilization, application compatibility and end-user downtime, all while minimizing costs. As businesses evaluate their need to migrate to Vista, Dell can help them address their migration needs and procedures.

We based these services on our extensive experience managing millions of customer deployments around the globe. Client Migration Solution helps customers better understand their existing client environment by determining hardware and application compatibility, then seamlessly planning, deploying and managing migrated systems.

The solution leverages new patent-pending Dell Automated Deployment technologies that speed the deployment process, reduce post-migration support calls, reduce risk, and eliminate network traffic normally associated with deployments.

After the migration is complete, Dell provides customers with the tools and expertise needed to better manage ongoing technology refreshes and instruction to ensure support staff and end-users are properly trained.

The Client Migration Solution is available now to customers in the United States, Europe and Canada. ~~as well as~~ ~~Dell Registered Partners~~. Pricing depends on customer needs and their specific client environment. These services are also available on a limited basis in Latin America and will be available to Asia-Pacific/Japan customers later this year.

Update: I was incorrect in saying that the Client Migration Solution is available to Dell Registered Partners. My apologies for that.

Dell Helps Large Business Customers Through Operating System Migration Services

Lionel_Menchaca — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Update: I was incorrect in saying that the Client Migration Solution is available to Dell Registered Partners. My apologies for that.

EMGS opens top-10 cluster in Europe using Dell Blades

hans_seime — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting Dave Marmonti, Dell’s President of EMEA, at the opening of our client EMGS’s new server cluster in Trondheim. The EMGS cluster, used for data processing and modelling, contains 1800 servers and holds the same amount of power as 20,000 high-tech PCs with a total memory of 22 terabytes, yielding an amazing 70 teraflops. This is currently the most powerful cluster in Norway, and a top-10 cluster in Europe, measured in teraflops.

Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS) has developed a new technology that has made it possible to search and locate oil in places were oil companies previously have concluded that there is no oil to be found. To transform electromagnetic signals into valuable information, powerful calculations are needed. And this is where Dell contributes with our PowerEdge 1955 servers.

My favourite points from Dave during the opening were how Norway and the rest of the Nordic region are exciting and important markets for Dell. Not only is Norway renowned as an oil nation with much of Europe using oil and gas from the region to fuel their economy/growth; but the Norwegian government is committed to its environment and is therefore an advocate of Green IT. As I’m sure the readers of this blog know, Green IT is a key priority for Dell and many of our customers and partners, including EMGS.

It took just two months from when the decision to buy the first stage of the cluster was made by EMGS, to when the cluster was finished. This is a very short time for such a large machine. The units were delivered 7-10 days after order, with the first 530 units produced in Ireland and then transported by a trailer truck to Trondheim.

The team in Norway is very proud of this project and I’m very happy for them. The cluster is an exclusive Dell project, and our employees have led the work on the cluster from the planning, through implementation and support, and we’re looking forward to a continuing partnership with EMGS on this groundbreaking project for Norway.

Michael Jacobs, Norwegian GM and Dave Marmonti in the EMGS cluster. Look at all those blades!

EMGS opens top-10 cluster in Europe using Dell Blades

hans_seime — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Michael Jacobs, Norwegian GM and Dave Marmonti in the EMGS cluster. Look at all those blades!

From Paris to London – Simplifying Disaster Recovery Demo

kerry_bridge — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Following on from my post and visit to VMworld Europe, I wanted to share a vlog of the disaster recovery demo that Will Urban, Product Marketing Consultant, and the Dell EqualLogic team were conducting on the Dell stand at this virtualization event.

For demonstration purposes the two Dell stands on the exhibition floor represented London and Paris offices and the demo goes through the simple a step-by-step process of testing your disaster recovery strategy before you need it. I particularly like the way Will describes an ideal disaster recovery conversation with a CIO and how Site Recovery Manager (SRM) can help you to simply demonstrate that your disaster recovery and business continuity plan is sound, prior to any crisis and without disrupting normal service.

[video]

Recent Opinion on SSD Failure Rates Fails to Include the Facts

Lionel_Menchaca — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Sometimes we have to react to information that has no basis in reality. That's what we're dealing with here.

A recent analyst document from Avian Securities incorrectly stated that Dell is seeing high return rates (20 - 30%) due to performance issues and failures on solid state disk drives (SSDs). It has been the basis of conversations in the blogosphere like Crave, Gizmodo, Techcrunch and BloggingStocks.

Here's the real story: the 20 - 30% failure and return rates cited by Avian Securities don't even vaguely resemble what's happening in our business. It's also true that Avian did not contact us while doing their research. Said another way, it's just not true.

Our global reliability data shows that SSD drives are equal to or better than traditional hard disk drives we've shipped. Beyond that, return rates for SSDs are in line with our expectations for new technology and an order of magnitude better than rates reported in the press.

The vast majority of our customers who purchased these drives appreciate the benefits that SSD drives offer: increased durability, fast start up, better reliability and improved access times.

In her earlier blog post, Sarah Williams from our product group mentioned that first-generation SSD drives performed on par with 5400RPM laptop hard drives overall. She also said that we're now offering second-generation Samsung's SATA II drives (we call them Dell Flash Ultra Performance SSD) that outperform existing laptop (and even some fast desktop) hard drives.

Whether we're talking about a new technology or an established one, Dell is extremely strict on quality variations. Hard drive quality in particular is closely monitored by virtue of its job: to store customer data. Computers can be easily replaced—customer data cannot.

We remain committed to SSD technology and see it as a key technology that will advance mobile computing overall. Because of this, we will continue our efforts to offer them across a variety of consumer and business laptops and mobile workstations.

Update: EqualLogic blogger Marc Farley weighed in on the topic here. Very soon, he will be joining the Direct2Dell family to contribute to a new group blog we'll be launching soon called Inside IT. More details coming.