Dell Updated

Dell History Timeline

1980

In an indication of what would come, Michael Dell purchases his first computer and promptly takes it apart to understand how it was designed and made.

1983

Declaring his goal of beating IBM, Michael Dell begins doing business out of his dorm room at the University of Texas, selling upgraded PCs and add-on components.

1984

With $1000 of initial capital Mr. Dell registers his business as Dell Computer Corporation, doing business as PC’s Limited, he drops out of school in May of 1984. Dell Computer Corporation becomes the first in the computer industry to sell custom-built computers directly to consumers. Direct was born.

1986

Dell unveils the industry’s fastest-performing computer, a 12 megahertz, 286 based system. The system garners rave reviews from the technology press. Dell also pioneers the industry’s first thirty-day money back guarantee and first onsite service program.

1987

Dell establishes its first international subsidiary in the United Kingdom.

1988

Dell raises $30 million in its initial public offering.

1989

Dell experiences their first major setback, excess inventory of antiquated memory components and cancels an over-ambitious research and development project called “Olympic”.

1990

Dell becomes the first computer company to enter the growing market for computers sold through brick and mortar retail outlets such as CompUSA and Best Buy. Dell is also the first company to exit the brick and mortar segment after determining the retail-store model did not meet its financial objectives.

1992

Dell achieves more than $2 billion in sales for the fiscal year ending in January 1993, a 127% increase over the previous