The computer industry has enjoyed a tremendous growth in the 80's and 90's. The introduction of the Internet to the public had a major impact on this growth. First, the Internet created a new environment to conduct business online. The Internet gave a way to new start-up companies to do business online, therefore increasing the demand for network of computers. Second, public dependency to the Internet increased while they found a convenient way of shopping online. Public dependency on computers to gain access to the Internet also increased the demand for computers. .
Except for the relatively few companies that have been somewhat successful in managing their businesses reasonably well, the first few years in the 2000's have been a struggle for most companies in the industry due to unstable market, fierce competition and over saturation of the market. As PC sales slow worldwide, computer companies have embarked on a broad campaign to gain market share "by cutting prices, introducing new product lines, and forming alliances with companies that can help them broaden their capabilities. Among those who seem to be surviving and planning to take advantage of the economical situation, include Dell Computer Corporation, IBM, Gateway and the Apple Computer Company.
The paper will study Dell Computer Corporation and its business model, including many aspects of direct marketing introduced by Dell Computers will be analyzed. Market segmentation, competition, and business opportunities will also be analyzed along with recommendations for business expansion.
E-Commerce.
Electronic commerce is defined as the delivery of goods, services, information, or payments over computer networks or by any other electronic means (e-business, 2002) The e-commerce isn't just for tech-savvy shoppers anymore, having broadened its appeal to a majority of the population, the average online customer now expects more and is a harder sell, much like the retail industry and the economic challenges that it is experiencing.
