Dell heeds IdeaStorm demands and announces plan to sell Linux PCs
By Ruben Francia
PC maker Dell has announced that it will sell a new line of certified user-ready Linux-loaded desktop and laptop computers, after seeking input from customers on how to spice up its products and improve services.
The requests were made through a new user forum, Dell IdeaStorm, which was launched by Dell 11 days ago. Dell IdeaStorm gives users the chance to tell the PC maker what kind of systems it should offer. As of Monday, more than 83,000 users had requested that Linux should be provided on all Dell PCs.
“It’s exciting to see the IdeaStorm community’s interest in open-source solutions like Linux and OpenOffice. Your feedback has been all about flexibility and we have seen a consistent request to provide platforms that allow people to install their operating system of choice. We are listening, and as a result, we are working with Novell to certify our corporate client products for Linux, including our OptiPlex desktops, Latitude notebooks and Dell Precision workstations. We are also evaluating the possibility of additional certifications across our product line,” Dell said.
The company said that the Linux-loaded desktops and laptops will be the first user-generated suggestions that it will follow.
Is this a right move? Personally I believe the timing is right.
Several IT analysts and Linux luminaries said the market conditions are now better than few years back and are better for Dell to try again. With more Linux applications available today, the time may be right for Dell to release such hardware.
In addition, Stephen O’Grady, an analyst at RedMonk in Bath, Maine, said, free Linux distributions such as Ubuntu have matured and “in many respects are equal to [Microsoft] Windows or Macintosh OS X.”
Running Linux on Dell laptops could have another lure.
Vista is simply too resource-heavy to run on low-power laptops and sub-machines, which are the highest-volume market segment. If Dell can strategically position itself to cater sub low-power laptops and sub-machines market segment then it’s definitely good for the company.
However, this strategic move won’t soon unseat Microsoft’s dominance in the marketplace but with open source market growing and maturing, there is a great opportunity for Dell to sell Linux PCs. Likewise, one has to admit that the uptake by a company like Dell to sell Linux as a mainstream product will likely have vast benefits.
Through this move, Dell can influence open source software to speed up development if they want to be included in the next laptop or desktop builds. Again, can Dell go wrong heeding user-generated suggestion? It just depends on how seriously Dell will take the opportunity.
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February 28th, 2007
I’m glad to hear that PC manufacturers are still considering shipping products that don’t bear Microsoft’s latest OS. I must admit though, that I’m one of those who shifted early to Vista. I was planning to delay it until I have all the drivers that I need. Fortunately, a friend of mine pointed me to http://www.radarsync.com/vista for my Vista driver needs. I’m currently satisfied with the new OS. However, I would very much like to see other computers running on different operating systems. This should diversify things and loosen Microsoft’s hold on the market.