Abstract
Dell Computer Corporation was created in 1984 by Michael Dell, from Austin University in Texas, with an investment of $1000 and the will to suppress intermediaries in the computer industry. In 1985, the company Dell launched its first computer, the Turbo, featuring the Intel 8088 processor. In 1987, Dell was characterized by a new system of distribution: the firm provided on-site products and services.
The company began its international expansion at an early stage. A subsidiary was opened in the United Kingdom in 1988. To face a new long-term strategy, Dell began to offer stocks by providing 3.5 million shares at $8.5 each. In 1990, the firm opened a new manufacturing centre in Limerick (Ireland) to enter the European, Middle Eastern and African markets. The following year, Dell introduced its first notebook computer.
In 1993, Dell was already among the top-five international computer system makers. The international expansion continued with new subsidiaries in Australia and Japan. The firm also established its manufacturing centre in Malaysia, Asia. At the same time, the per-share value of common stock reached $100. Dell began to sell computers via Internet through its site www.dell.com. That was the kind of revolution Dell brought to the industry and soon achieved tremendous success. The Company also entered the servers' market.
In 1997, Dell sold its 10-millionth computer system, and the per-share value of common stock reached $1000. The firm opened its production and customer service centre in China and expanded its manufacturing facilities in America and Europe. There was another manufacturing centre in the U.S., located in Nashville, and facilities in Brazil to serve the Latin America market. Diversification carried on with the launch of online technical support: "E-Support Direct from Dell".
