About the Dell-Microsoft deal

When news broke out that Dell computer was going private and that Microsoft picked up the part of the tab on the deal, I did not know how to react.  Mergers happen constantly in business, so Microsoft and Dell getting together doesn't seem that unusual.  Then, it dawned on me that Microsoft and Dell were making pretty drastic moves in the market, and I decided to reconsider the news.  I think this will be a good deal for both parties and entrepreneurs like myself.   This also may make it possible for Windows 8 to take off finally.

Being a Microsoft professional developer is like being a New York Yankee pitcher living in Boston.  Others will judge you as a member of the "evil empire" and will not spend any time learning about you as a person or professional.  I have dealt with that misconception for most of my career, particularly from the open-source crowd and Unix professionals.  I find this perception deeply hurtful because I have spent most of my career posting code on the web and helping others to make them better software professionals. 

Dell has been spending a lot of its time attempting to please Wall Street investors and hitting sales figures with its line of laptops and desktop PCs.  In fact, a simple Optiplex box on your desk is as standard today as a tape dispenser or stapler is a testament to the company's ability to build economical and functional PC systems.  The problem is that Dell has gotten a little boring.  It makes most of its money selling to corporate and business customers.  It has not had any cache with consumers since its "dude, you are getting a Dell" advertising campaign "dude, you are getting a Dell" advertising campaign.  Finally, Dell has not entered the tablet market like Samsung or Apple. 

These three factors mean Dell would continue to be a profitable but boring company until it eventually lost market share as computers became more mobile.  If I were the CEO, it would have scared the pants off of me.  Thus, with some creative financing, Michael Dell is taking the company private to make the next blockbuster innovation away from the people determined to ensure he hits his profit loss statements each quarter. 

I am kind of excited about this.  First, I think Dell will improve the XPS line, which features a tablet resembling a laptop.  I am also interested in further innovations like Skype devices, which will make the tablet behave like a personal conference center.  Finally, with Microsoft, we will see some cool Windows 8 devices that can perform various duties.  On my wish list is a 17-inch laptop that behaves like an XPS.  I could see reading the paper on the train with that beast.

I am not going to get all gooey about this deal because things like this in the past have gone horribly wrong. With Microsoft and Dell betting their futures on each other, it is clear that they will come up with many genuinely innovative products.  I can't wait. 

Until next time.