Dell Basic Overview Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Dell is the world's largest computer company by total sales. In addition to offering a full line of desktop and laptop computers designed for consumers, Dell offers network servers, workstations and storage systems. The company also sells handheld computers and markets third-party software and peripherals. Dell's growing services unit offers systems integration, support and training. Direct Sales Business Model In 1984, Michael Dell started a computer company with $1,000 and an exciting new idea: selling PCs directly to consumers, bypassing retail stores and system integrators and offering a limited customer base. support but considerably lower prices. This approach, called the direct business model, allowed Dell to customize each system based on each customer's unique needs while providing them with competitive pricing, high quality, cutting-edge technology, and personalized customer support. This model offers direct contact with its customers, which allows it to adapt its support offering to the requests of each customer in a quick and timely manner. The direct business model has radically changed the way IT companies view how they do business. This model is the key concept to Dell's success. The world's leading PC manufacturer, Dell has grown from $6 million in annual revenue to more than $40 billion in just sixteen years. It is the largest online computer retailer, selling an average of $30 million per day. I've attached a tab with financial data to demonstrate how Dell's high shareholder return is the result of a focused effort over time to balance growth with profitability and liquidity. Annual Financial Highlights (in millions, excluding per share data) FY05 FY04 FY03 FY02 FY01Net income $49,205 $41,444 $35,404 $31,168 $31,888 Operating income $4,254 $3,544 2,844 $2,271 $2,768 Net income $3,323 $2,645 $2,122 $1,780 $2,310 Earnings per share $1.29 $1.01 $0.80 $0.65 $0.84 Closing price $41.06 $33.44 $23.86 $26.80 $25.19 In addition to focusing on its shareholders, Dell thinks about its employees. The company's distinct values, The Soul of Dell, recognize the company's responsibilities to its employees, its communities, its global suppliers and their employees. Dell employees make a difference every day for Dell customers and in Dell communities. By giving generously to the communities in which they live and work through commitments of time, expertise and money, Dell employees are directly connected to the community. Dell values ​​the diversity of its workforce. Its approach to diversity is defined by the recognition of both similarities and differences, inclusion, respect and a corporate culture that allows each individual to contribute to their full potential...