Dell Listens to Customers, Expands Linux Options

I worked with a Dell supplier in the early 2000’s, so I know firsthand what kind of hardasses they can be. That’s why they took such a well-deserved brutal A-list beating in the blogosphere two years ago. That’s also why I’m pleasantly surprised that their Digg clone, built in response to aforementioned beating, is more than just a pretty press release. Based on feedback from IdeaStorm, their online customer suggestion box with voting, they’re expanding Linux factory options to desktops and notebooks.

Since launching Dell IdeaStorm a little more than a month ago, one idea has risen to and stayed at the top: better support for Linux… Dell has heard you and we will expand our Linux support beyond our existing servers and Precision workstation line. Our first step in this effort is offering Linux pre-installed on select desktop and notebook systems.

Not only is this a great precedent for open source software marketing, it’s also a great example of seriously using social media to tap into your market’s conversations, make better products, and improve your bottom line. Kudos to Dell for demonstrating the right way to recover — no, improve — from a blogosphere bashing.

Even through my darkest, most homicidal times working with Dell, I never lost my admiration for Michael Dell himself. Now I know why: IdeaStorm was Michael’s idea.

(Story via Matt Cutts. Cartoon by Hugh MacLeod.)