Dell Direct leverages .NET
to sell online
Profile
Dell is well known for its Dell Direct sales model, which
helps customers to order custom personal and enterprise systems
through dell.com. Dell.com receives more than a billion page
requests per quarter, accounting for roughly half of all Dell's
business.
Customer Situation
The renowned Dell Direct sales model enables customers
to order custom, personal and enterprise systems online.
Dell.com receives more than a billion page requests
per quarter, accounting for almost 50% of Dell's business.
Although Dell's e-commerce model is exemplary as far
as the industry is concerned, Dell constantly strives
to enhance operational efficiency and the customer's
online experience. Dell wanted to test some functionalities
that could enhance the Dell customer experience, and
record a reduction in returned products. |
Web services and Microsoft .NET technology helped
us meet our key business objectives. Microsoft's
vision around everything connected is directly
in line with where we want to take Dell in the
future, and Web services deployed on Microsoft
.NET software will help us succeed. 
Michael Dell
Chairman & CEO
Dell Computer Corporation
www.dell.com |
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We are early adopters of .NET and have made significant
investments to develop insights and expertise
to help our customers leverage the potential of
this technology. In close partnership with Microsoft,
we have created best-in-class frameworks and tools
around .NET, and I am pleased that our insights
and expertise has helped Dell to realize excellent
business benefits.
Kris Gopalakrishnan
COO
Infosys
www.infosys.com |
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Solution
On one of the earliest Web services projects in India,
Dell worked closely with Microsoft and Infosys Technologies
to enhance its web user interface along with integrated
back-end functionalities. The development team created
a set of core Web services, using the Microsoft .NET
framework and developer tools. The Web services include:
- Third-party pricing configuration Web service -
Enables partners to access real-time information directly
from the Dell online PC-configuration engine. This
enables consistency of information and an integrated
picture of the offerings from the company in real-time.
- Taxes and Shipping Web service - Ensures that customers
view accurate pricing information based on their location.
Customers use the price configuration engine over
a million times per day.
- Order status Web services - Consults the Dell database
to create real-time snapshots of the customer's order
as it is filled. Customers can now obtain all the
tracking information they need directly from Dell.
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Benefits
Dell recorded noteworthy benefits from this project within
a fiscal quarter.
By using the .NET framework, Dell was able to develop XML
connections into each of its applications, enabling real-time
data and functionality integration. The open, interlocking
architecture has created efficiencies that have reduced IT
and operational costs across the enterprise.
The .NET framework and Visual Studio .NET have helped programmers
complete projects before deadlines and within budget. Eight
developers designed and developed the Web services and related
applications in four months.
Partner: Infosys Technologies |
