Posted on 06/03/2005 4:07:53 PM PDT by Golden Eagle
DALLAS (AP) - Dell Inc. said Thursday it would take disciplinary action as appropriate against an American salesperson who sent an e-mail discouraging former IBM clients from buying Lenovo products.
International Business Machines Corp. sold its personal computer business last year to Lenovo Group Ltd., which is partly owned by the Chinese government. That made Lenovo the world's third-largest personal computer business, behind Dell and Hewlett-Packard Co.
"We have a code of conduct that we uphold here for Dell in the U.S. and worldwide, specific guidelines for not commenting on competitors from an employee's standpoint. We're pretty serious about it," said Dell spokesman Lionel Menchaca.
According to China's official Xinhua News Agency, the salesperson's e-mail was published last week in a Chinese business newspaper.
"As you know Lenovo is a Chinese government-owned company that recently purchased IBM's desktop business," Xinhua quoted the e-mail as saying. "While the U.S. government has given its stamp of approval to continue to purchase these units, people must understand that every dollar clients spent on these IBM systems is directly supporting/funding the Chinese government."
(Excerpt) Read more at cnews.canoe.ca ...
Something you or others might be interested in.
the truth hurts. not pc to speak it.
on the surface the salesperson has a valid argument -- i'd be curious what percentage of a $ spent on a dell ends up offshores.
Dell boards aren't made in America...
Dell boards aren't made in America...And as for their "tech support"......
-Eric
Ding ding! The very first post, and we have a winner ladies and gentlemen.
Whether true or not, Dell's policy is wise.
It is bad form to trash your competition to your potential clients. You may gain a little in the short-term, but at the sacrifice of your own long-term image.
Possibly true in general terms, but on an issue this controversial I'd say it depends greatly on the predisposition of the audience. Dell probably did the right thing by offering an apology, but in some regards that apology also gives this issue further wings.
Dear Golden Eagle,
Perhaps.
But I'd fire anyone who worked for me who did something similar.
I've seen folks do it when trying to sell me stuff. Better they should find ways of letting me find out what they want me to know then tell me so directly.
sitetest
I can't give you a good reason why, maybe others will eventually try on this thread. But the stealth manner in which these products will be distributed, bearing the 'IBM' logo, is as bothersome to me as anything. Unfortunately it appears anyone attempting to bring the issue to light will apparently be reprimanded by Dell.
Thanks, a very respectable and dignified approach indeed. I wouldn't be surprised if specifically acceptable language is being pounded out in Austin right now.
I really can't answer that absolutely. A cynic might say because they hired Brent Scowcroft to lobby it to the administration. Others might tell you this was all done for our benefit.
Eweh, yeah, forgot about that. And Dell just signed a huge contract with the State of Oklahoma, so I guess I better keep my mouth zipped, HEHE.
I don't think their notebook business was included, was it?
Dell wants to sell to the Chinese. They better reprimand (or fire) the salesperson.
we won't go there...
there are plenty of knowledgeable people in India, it's not the techs fault they have to put on the SEG and read the cue cards
No, you're right. My post was supposed to say, "I question why my government approved of IBM selling their computer business to the ChiComs."
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