Dell eyes SMB market for notebooks

Dell is trying to widen its scope towards small and medium businesses in Philippine as part of a global strategy focusing on emerging markets. Dell Philippines Country Manager Barry Bunyi said that despite economic concerns, small business operators are still looking to improve their IT infrastructure but are cautious in buying the right equipment while trying to save as much as they can. Dell said businesses are more aware of the importance of mobility, which has driven sales of notebook computers in the country. "You'd be surprised that notebook computers sales are growing three times more than desktop PCs," Bunyi said. Bunyi said that Dell Philippines is looking to expand its network of channel partners that would have access to SMB market. About 20 to 30 partners are expected to be included in the roster of Dell's channel partners within the year. "Our goal is to have a wide market reach and to provide the best service to SMBs. Service isn't just about selling the hardware but following it up with good customer services," Bunyi said. Dell Computers recently held an Asian webcast in Beijing, which showcased the company's global focus on the worldwide SMB market. Dell Asia Pacific President Steve Felice said nearly 500,000 people worldwide are going online for the first time. Some of these are entrepreneurs looking to use technology to help their businesses. "Emerging markets have SMBs that are looking for IT infrastructure that can serve them. This is where Dell is aiming to dominate," Felice said. The company recently released two new notebooks and two new desktop computers that are purpose-built as budget-line machines for small businesses. The Dell Vostro A180 and the Vostro A100 are its desktop computers. The A180 is powered by an Intel Celeron processor, while the A100 uses the new Intel Atom processor. Meanwhile, its notebook computers are the 15.6-inch Vostro A860 and the 14.1-inch Vostro A840. These feature 120 GB or 160 gigabyte hard disks, 1 Gb memory, CD/DVD combo drives, Wifi, Bluetooth and a choice of Intel Celeron or Core 2 Duo processors. Incidentally, Bunyi said only the notebook computers will be offered in the Philippines, explaining that Filipino firms prefer notebooks over desktop due to very close price differences and mobility. The A860 could cost between P30,000 and P38,000 depending on configuration. The A840 will be priced between P36,000 pesos and P40,000.