Dell Sees Windows 8 as Way to Compete in Tablet Wars

by Holly Shoemaker

Dell sees room to challenge the new iPad that went on sale Friday, March 16, 2012. According to Steve Felice, the company’s chief commercial officer, the tablet market is wide open.

Dell previously worked on the Steak last year, but did not move forward with bringing the product to the market. Dell, like Lenovo, sees Windows 8 as the new way to reach existing and new tablet owners. Windows 8 will launch later this year; it is currently available in beta, and will feature a touch interface that works across desktops, smartphones and tablets.

Dell also says the company has standards in place for tablets they have yet to announce. Consumers should see announcements regarding this in the latter half of the year.

Concluding Thoughts

Dell makes a valid point that it has existing business relationships. That may give the company an advantage over Apple. Relying on Windows 8 also differentiates tablets from the myriad of ones currently available. Dell should also take care not to repeat the mistakes of Research in Motion (RIM) and its disappointing PlayBook. Here too it comes down to marketing. Dell realizes it does not have the same individual consumer appeal that Apple does. Therefore, its strategy comes down to convincing IT departments.