Microsoft is ultimately in a race to grow its Azure footprint and remain in pole position on the desktop while it is clearly being battered in both markets. Microsoft needs Dell as a partner. Dell can lean in with its experience to help raise customer confidence. These three areas demonstrate where Microsoft is better with Dell:
- Microsoft Intune has depth within Windows and O365, but has a thin veneer of effectiveness across today’s end-user computing environment that includes Android, Chrome, Mac, and Linux.
- The Microsoft Windows stronghold is at risk of slipping away toward alternative experiences and partnering with Dell has the potential to slow the slide toward alternatives like G-suite, AWS Workspaces, macOS, Linux desktops, and even Workplace by Facebook.
- Microsoft jumped out in 2018 with Windows Managed Desktop (WMD), but Dell PC as a service has the potential to have a broader appeal in the market that aligns more accurately to existing purchasing and endpoint refresh cycles.
VMware +1
In some pockets within Microsoft, VMware is a curse word that dates back years ago to the battle of hypervisors in the data center. The angst continued, sparked by Microsoft Intune, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), and the advent of VMware Workspace One. At Dell Technologies World 2019, Dell is taking the opportunity to step in and provide Dell Technologies Unified Workspace. The interesting tactic here appears to be focused on leveraging the Dell brand, trust, and experience, prioritizing Microsoft (Windows and O365) on the endpoint, and leaning in 100% with VMware Workspace ONE. According to the VMware EUC blog, there will also be the ability to “secure Office 365 apps and data through cloud-based integration with Microsoft Intune.” So, does this mean that Microsoft is folding into the fact that it can’t deliver the richness of capabilities that VMware Workspace ONE can?
This is all good for Dell, Microsoft, and VMware customers. In fact, I think it is what businesses are looking for. IT and security pros don’t want to painstakingly go through integration work. They simply want a solution that works. The steps that Microsoft and Dell are taking at DTW demonstrate that they are committed to simplifying endpoint management and security, matching the most efficient workspace experience to the user, and committed to keeping pace with companies that recognize that the way people work and collaborate is quickly changing.
