On Monday, Dell
Too bad. On the whole, I think this is a very smart move for Dell. Storage networks are a reasonably cheap way to keep pace with the digital Everest of data that businesses must track.
Trouble is, a Dell spokesperson told me yesterday that Dell expects the MD3000i to mostly be sold direct. Who made that call? That's like booking Larry the Cable Guy for Showtime at the Apollo.
The mismatch is this: Storage devices are typically sold as part of something larger, which involves a services component. That's why Dell and EMC
By choosing to go "mostly" direct, Dell is eschewing services partners who could make the MD3000i a hit. And, worse, it's blowing a ripe opportunity to become a consultative partner to fast-growing small businesses, just as IBM
It's nice to see Dell come out of the storage closet. I only wish its debut was performed with a little more finesse.