In a deal that is sure to create a lot of buzz in the IT channel, Dell today announced that it would purchase Perot Systems for $3.9 billion. This move has wider implications for the managed services profession.
The obvious implication is that Dell is now squared off directly against HP. Nobody really should be surprised by this move as they have been making tactical decisions along this path for several years now. What is more interesting (to me at least) is what this acquisition of Perot means for the greater managed services and IT channel. Here are my thoughts.
If Perot Systems now gives Dell the opportunity to truly leverage the technology acquired through the SilverBack, Everdream, and Equal Logic deals, then this latest purchase clearly is focused at the mid to larger enterprise client. Does this mean Dell is taking their eye off of the SMB managed services market? Not at all! What it should signify is that their committment to the IT channel should become even more clear and defined.
