Dell to sell at Wal-Mart

Computer maker Dell plans to begin selling desktop PCs in Wal-Mart Stores this weekend, the first move in a major departure from its decades-long sales strategy.

Wal-Mart plans to sell the Dimension E521 in more than 3,000 retail locations in the US, according to Samir Bhavnani, research director at Current Analysis West.

Bhavnani said: "Finally, Dell has addressed one of its main problems by giving customers a chance to touch and feel its products. Dell's going to be touching a lot of people who weren't necessarily looking to buy a PC."

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The move follows a pronouncement by founder and CEO of the company, Michael Dell, that it would be making a major push in commercial reseller and retail channels. Dell, which has long relied on direct sales, had previously flirted with retail but it had no specific programmes - such as training and technical support special offers - to offer resellers.

Dell announced earlier this month it would begin providing many programmes and strategies to help resellers move its products.

In a recent interview with CRN, the CEO said: "I think you'll see Dell showing up in a lot more retail locations - not only here in the US but also in major countries around the world over the next several quarters. So stay tuned."

Steven Musil writes for CNET News.com