Direct From Dell

Direct from Dell: Strategies That Revolutionized an Industry. By Michael Dell.

(New York: Harper Collins, 1999. Pp. 227.)

Michael Dell is a true leader in the computer world, but his revolutionary insights into business processes provide valuable lessons for many different industries. While Michael Dell's Direct from Dell: Strategies That Revolutionized an Industry follows the

chronology of the Dell Computer Corporation, it also shows the management principles the company follows. Another amazing thing, and also mirrored in the book, is Michael Dell's own development from founding the company in a dorm room at age nineteen to becoming CEO of one of the world's largest computer companies.

Dell outlines the long bumpy road to his company's success to where it is today and also the strategies used to get the company at the position it is in. Throughout the book the author emphasizes how the company's strategies all flow from Dell's direct model of selling computers directly to the end-user, thus eliminating the retailer. This philosophy allows Dell to differentiate itself from the competition. Dell was at first scrutinized for this strategy that later took it to the top.

Dell takes the reader inside the company and also allows readers the insight on his personal views. The reader is shown what has worked for Dell and how this may be applied in any business. This book is for all business readers looking for insights and motivations. Dell also faced many challenges and these are also discussed. Learning from the mistakes has made the company stronger.

The book may also be perceived as one-sided because of its limitation to one point of view and a unique set of circumstances. This weakness may also be a strength as the problems and solutions are based on an actual experience.

Mistakes discourage many in business especially leaders. Dell realizes his mistakes through trial and error