In an interview with CNBC, Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, delved into the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the company and its future trajectory. Dell highlighted the surging demand for AI servers and networking solutions, positioning Dell Technologies at the forefront of data and computing solutions. He also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, notably with NVIDIA, to meet these burgeoning needs.
Dell articulated that AI is driving a transformative shift from traditional computing towards cognition. He emphasized that the market for AI is substantial, with Dell Technologies well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The company’s comprehensive suite of offerings, encompassing data, compute, memory, storage, and networking, is tailored to support this evolution, enabling smooth and secure cloud migrations.
“The move to the cloud is not finished yet,” Dell noted, highlighting the essential role of SD-WANs in reducing complexity and risk during these migrations. He also pointed out the increasing adoption of AI applications, which necessitates on-demand burst capacity and flexibility – capabilities that Dell’s solutions are designed to provide.
Despite recent fluctuations in Dell Technologies’ stock performance, Dell expressed confidence in the company’s long-term prospects. The demand for AI servers and networking solutions is anticipated to continue its upward trajectory, driven by the relentless growth in data generation and the need for efficient data management and storage solutions.
Dell’s discussion also touched on the evolving role of AI at the edge, particularly in devices like PCs. He forecasted a significant refresh cycle for AI PCs, driven by their ability to enhance productivity and efficiency. These AI-enabled devices are expected to serve as smart assistants, streamlining various tasks and offering substantial time savings.
Strategic partnerships play a pivotal role in Dell Technologies’ AI strategy. Dell highlighted the longstanding collaboration with NVIDIA, which has been instrumental in advancing AI capabilities. The latest generation of AI servers, featuring direct liquid cooling, exemplifies this partnership’s success, offering enhanced performance and energy efficiency.
Looking ahead, Dell acknowledged the potential for selective acquisitions, primarily smaller, strategic buys, to bolster the company’s AI capabilities. However, he emphasized the significant investment in organic research and development and the value of partnerships with industry leaders like AMD, Broadcom, Intel, Qualcomm, and others.
Dell concluded by discussing the broader implications of AI, likening its pervasive impact to that of the internet. He noted that AI is becoming embedded in all aspects of business operations, from software development to supply chain management, driving a new era of efficiency and innovation.