Why Dell Is Really Saying No to Linux

By now, many of you may be wondering why Dell is passing up such a great niche market by not offering Linux as an alternative OS option to Windows. We have talked about how this would only prove to benefit a company like Dell, but we have also acknowledged the fact that it will likely never happen.

Then I came across this piece from ArsTechnica. They rightfully point out that Dell is not equipped to handle Linux support for the desktop. And they continue their proper understanding in stating that Dell can barely handle supporting Windows issues. Then it occurred to me: why must Dell "support" Linux at all? Check this out...

This Excuse Smells of Swiss Cheese. The belief that Dell can't sell Linux based on support concerns is absurd. It’s not because problems won’t arise, but they could easily outsource this kind support to...Linux vendors themselves.

Obviously, the simple answer is to offer known-to-work hardware in Dell Linux boxes, but make it clear that on the support front, the users are on their own. Instead, Dell appears afraid of this. Why? Because they might be giving their customers over to someone competent that can actually answer the questions being asked without being put on hold 15 times? Come on, give me a break. Let's make this as easy as pie for Dell, shall we?

The "You are on Your Own" Disclaimer. Dell could force buyers, who are interested in buying the Linux alternative, to digitally sign an agreement stating that they understand that the hardware is known to work and that a list of Linux support agencies will be provided with the order. Boom, Dell just conquered the support issue.

So enough of the hot air. The reason why we will not see Dell selling desktop Linux boxes is simple - Microsoft's OEM department would come unhinged. Why? Because HP would soon follow suit. And if HP and Dell are both selling desktop Linux boxes as an alternative to Vista, the market would shift a great deal. Curiosity would prevail.

Like Linux, Vista presents a set of challenges to the PC user. And unless they dump the PC completely and just go with a Mac, most users are no worse off with Linux than with Vista. Outside of power users who need specialty apps, most people would honestly not care, so long as everything works out of the box.

The Time is Now, But Will it Even Matter? My reason to see Dell become more open to offering Linux is rather simple. If they offer it, HP will follow them, and before long, new PC buyers will be exposed to Linux offerings.

Linux is most certainly not for everyone. I get this. However, if Dell is willing to take a slight risk to look at the fact that Vista is not ready yet, they might then realize that Linux offers a viable alternative to banging-your-head-against-the-wall with Vista compatibility.

Understand this, though. Once Vista gets its issues worked out, this small window of opportunity with Dell and HP will indeed close. The time is now, so hopefully we will see enough profit margins hurting to where Dell is really ready to take a chance in offering yet, another OS option to provide along side Vista. Only time will tell, I suppose.