2. 1968
Dell traces it’s origin in 1968 when
current Dell Chairman &
CEO, Michael Dell, was selling stock
computers under the corporation
name PCs Limited. Dell dropped out
of school to focus full-time on his
fledgling business, after getting
about $300,000 in expansion-capital
from his family.
1980
In 1985, the company produced it’s
first design for a computer, the
Turbo PC, which sold for $800. They
showed off their system in national
magazines and managed to gross
more than $73 million dollars in it’s
first year during the operation.
1990
In 1997, Dell enjoyed their steady
growth in the Computer
Industry, even during the Industry
Slumps and Failures. Dell managed
to maintain a #1 rating in PC
reliability and Customer Service year
after year before the release of
Windows XP. In ‘96, Dell started
selling computers over the internet.
3. 2000
In 1996 to 2002, Dell surpassed
Compaq to be the largest PC
manufacturer. A year later, Dell was
later renamed to Dell Inc. to
recognize the computer companies’
expansion beyond computers.
2002
In 2002, expanded its product line to
include
televisions, handhelds, digital audio
players, and printers. It’s first
acquisition was when Dell bought
out ConvergeNet Technologies.
2004
In 2004, Michael Dell resigned as
CEO while retaining the position of
Chairman, handing the CEO title
to Kevin Rollins who had been
President and CEO since 2001.
Under Rollins, they bought acquired
Alienware, and loosened it’s ties
with Microsoft and Intel.
4. 2008
In 2008, Dell had to go through
downsizing and rebranded their era
as ‘Dell 2.0’. During the
Downsizing, they had to close one of
their biggest customer support
areas in Ontario with approx. 1,100
people.
2010
During the Post-PC Era, The Apple
iPad and many other tablets had a
major impact to Dell, and other PC
Vendors as PC vendors move away
from Desktops and Laptops. Dell
launched their own tablet, only to
face a failure commercially and
critically due to its outdated
OS, numerous bugs, and low
resolution screen.
Current
After several weeks of
rumors, which started around
January 11, 2013, Dell announced
on February 5, 2013 that it had
struck a $24.4 billion leveraged
buyout deal, that would have
delisted its shares from the NASDAQ
and Hong Kong Stock Exchange and
taken it private.
