Although lots of A-list bloggers sneered at one2one, Dell's corporate blog (which led someone to comment that the A stands for asshole), but it's going pretty well, by corporate blog standards.
The latest topic to be addressed is No Bloatware, Please, which responds to people like me having extended whinges about Dell bundling software we don't want.
The post points out that Dell is streamlining the process, and at least shows the company is aware that some customers are conerned about it. However, it doesn't mention that Dell gets paid for installing all this crap, and it doesn't offer a useful solution. But there is one.
Come on, Dell, all you have to do is provide a check list of bundled software and let us untick the ones we don't want. This need not be free. I am willing to pay more to stop you from installing Symantec, RealNetworks, Apple and Sun adware, and I bet I'm not the only one.
If there's anything I need, I can download and install it myself -- and that way, I'll know what it's installing and exactly where it's installing it. On my PC, those are things I consider it my right to control.
I'm sure there are plenty of people who will be happy to have whatever software you want to bundle, and they'll be happier too, because you will have given them the choice.
Update: And Michelle Pearcy has responded on Dell's blog:
Michelle Pearcy, WW Client Software Manager said: Hi Jack, Dwight, et al., thank you for your response. As you point out, there are several business models which drive the distribution and installation of software on PCs. The combination of these business models allows Dell to sell competitively priced systems - yes, we make money on software but the majority of the revenue is based on software that customers select at point of sale.
However, to balance the complexity of the online PC configuration process as well as target a wide range of customer types, we provide point of sale and after point of sale choices in software for our customers. Your point on flexibility and choice is a good one and we will continue to move in the direction you mention - allowing customers to select and install the exact software titles they want. We started with our XPS products as these customers are generally more sophisticated and do not need as much help from Dell in selecting key software titles. Other folks actually want Dell to recommend software - both at the time they purchase their PC and later when they start to use their PC. We agree our model allows us to serve both types of customers and we need to capitalize on this model more often.
Thanks again for your suggestions and response to this interesting topic.
July 22, 2006 5:49 PM
