Tech Giants and Security Market Players Make Strategic Moves

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corp. and Dell Inc. are joining forces to develop computer software that will allow business clients to update their own network servers, a move aimed at simplifying a cumbersome process that often involves multiple steps. The new software, scheduled for January 2005, will be a free download for existing customers. Meanwhile, Dell CEO Kevin Rollins has expressed a more favorable disposition towards using Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s (AMD) chips, acknowledging the company's advanced technology in some cases. This shift comes as Dell prepares to unveil its first server running on AMD's Opteron chips. In the security market, General Electric Co. has agreed to acquire SPX Corp.'s Edwards Systems Technology fire-and-security unit for nearly $1.4 billion, reflecting GE's growing interest in the security market.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft and Dell are partnering to develop software that simplifies network server updates, which is a primary pain point for clients with large networks.
  • The new software, scheduled for release in January 2005, will be a free download for existing customers.
  • Dell CEO Kevin Rollins has expressed a more favorable disposition towards using AMD's chips, acknowledging the company's advanced technology in some cases.
  • The acquisition by GE Security of SPX Corp.'s Edwards Systems Technology fire-and-security unit for nearly $1.4 billion reflects GE's growing interest in the security market.
  • The partnership between Microsoft and Dell aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of systems management, reducing the need for manual updates and patches.
  • Kevin Rollins stated that updating software is the "No. 1 pain point" for clients with networks of thousands of computers.
  • The product being developed simplifies changes by automating the update process.

Statistics:

  • The new software, scheduled for release in January 2005, will be a free download for existing customers.
  • $19 billion in three-month Treasury bills were auctioned at a discount rate of 2.075 percent.
  • $17 billion in six-month Treasury bills were auctioned at a discount rate of 2.280 percent.
  • The average yield for one-year Treasury bills rose to 2.47 percent last week from 2.35 percent the previous week.
  • General Electric Co. is acquiring SPX Corp.'s Edwards Systems Technology fire-and-security unit for nearly $1.4 billion in cash.

Sources:

  • "Computers Microsoft, Dell team up on new systems software" by Staff Reporter
  • "Dell giving AMD chips a closer look, CEO says" by Staff Reporter
  • "GE Security to acquire a unit of SPX Corp." by Staff Reporter
  • "Rates on short-term bills reach three-year high" by Staff Reporter