This time it was a couple of enterprising reporters, collaring company chairman Michael Dell himself on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Dell’s response?
Sure. We do not have an exclusive relationship with Intel, Reuters reported. I do not have any new product to announce today.
The Associated Press reporter had a similar encounter. Dell told AP: We have used them in the past, we might use them again.
So how does that compare to previous statements? Well, earlier this month he said at the Consumer Electronics Show that there was a distinct possibility of doing an AMD-based product.
The following week, chief executive Kevin Rollins said Dell is always open to change, adding: We want the very best technology for our customers.
A few days later, Dell’s UK head, Josh Claman, told Computer Business Review: [Rollins] would have said the same thing a year ago, and he would have said the same thing two years ago.
Yes or no, it’s always a great headline because such a partnership would be a coup for AMD. The company is suing Intel on antitrust claims, and Dell’s close relationship with Intel is part ofits case.
AMD does appear to be gaining ground on Intel in the marketplace. Intel said last week that it lost a point of market share, which AMD says it took.
In addition, CNet News.com reported this week that market share numbers due out next week from Mercury Research will show AMD has broken through the 20% mark in terms of PCs, laptops and servers.
