Why say big companies don't make mistakes? Well only difference is they realize it early. Dell Web PC become of the early failures of Dell and this case study show why.
2. Dell
In late 1999, computer manufacturer Dell
launched the Web PC.
3. Dell’s Web PC Features
The computer was small (one third the normal PC size)
Low cost just for $1,000 (when others were selling at $1500+)
One of the key features of the product was an ‘e-support button’
The PC also included a ‘sleep mode’ designed to eliminate the time
spent booting up the computer for Internet access.
The Webpc keyboard has special Internet keys for quick access to
e-mail and Internet search engines.
4. Dell’s Web PC – What went right?
Connect users directly to Dell’s award-winning online technical
support team.
The product was heavily marketed through a multi-media
advertising campaign, centered around the slogan ‘Born to Web’
Web PC offered different peripheral products , including such
devices as a digital scanner, a joy stick and a digital camera.
Hand picked every piece of technology that went into the Web PC
without carrying over any technology from previous PC designs that
doesn’t contribute to a pure Internet experience.
5. Dell’s Web PC – What went wrong?
Journalists saw it as an attempt to echo Apple’s iMac strategy
- Design and User friendly
Dell’s core customers wanted good value and functionality, not
groundbreaking design.
Dell was targeting its Web PC toward home or home-office markets
where its core is Business-oriented.
Customization and functionality over design. The Web PC failed to
offer either one of these values.
6. Lessons from Dell’s Web PC
(Case Study)
It’s not about the product, it’s about the brand.
- Customization
A low-cost product needs to be perceived as
such.
- Whole package instead.
Imitating the competition was a mistake.
7. Lessons from Dell’s Web PC
(Self Analysis)
Research well before the launch.
Imitate, but add your personal touch!
Evolve while you grow your brand.
8. Conclusion
Dell started as a market leader and still
retains that trait in some areas. With there
slipping sales in the U.S. they are being
forced to look at alternative ways of brining
revenue to the company, which is a
process that they are used to. I think that
they will continue to gain market share and
continue to be a large player in the
personal computer industry for years to
come.