Did Dell really buy Alienware?

Question

I just went to the Alienware website and it hasn't changed one bit since the "purchase".

Answer 1

The purchase happened in March of 2006, and in fact the website did change. Open up Dell's home page in one screen and Alienware's in another, and you will surely notice the similarities. They looked even more similiar, almost the same actually until Dell modified their webpage. If you want absolute proof, here is the page in Alienware's FAQ:http://4help.alienware.com/cgi-bin/alienware.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=4859&p_created=1143230344&p_sid=-XxM1csi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NyZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFuc3dlcnMuc2VhcmNoX2ZubCZwX3NjZl9jX2xhbmd1YWdlPTIwNSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWRlbGw*&p_li=&p_topview=1

Answer 2

In 2002, Dell was considering buying Alienware, but did not take any action until March 22, 2006, when it agreed to purchase the company. The new subsidiary maintained its autonomy in terms of design and marketing. However, Alienware's access to Dell's supply chain, purchasing power, and economies of scale would lower its operating costs. Initially, Dell maintained its competing XPS line of gaming PCs, often selling computers with the same specifications. The XPS line may have hurt Alienware's market share within its market segment. Due to corporate restructuring in the spring of 2008, the XPS brand was scaled down, and the Desktop line was eliminated leaving only the XPS Notebooks.Product development of gaming PCs was consolidated with Dell's gaming division, with Alienware becoming Dell's premier gaming brand. On June 2, 2009, The M17x was introduced as the First Alienware/Dell branded system. Alienware now represents the premium performance space in Dell’s consumer family of products. This launch also expands Alienware’s global reach from six to 45 countries. On March 25, 2009, Alienware stated that it was considering closing its manufacturing bases in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, and in Miami, Florida.

Answer 3

Yes, and HP bought VooDoo. They bought them not to incorporate the line-up into the parent company, but to keep them as 'boutique' vendors. Alot of high end gamers wont buy a Dell, but they will buy an Alienware (Same with HP/VooDoo). You note that you haven't seen any changes - that includes price. But Dell is able to build cheaper due to the high volume discounts they get directly from the manufacturers. So while an Alienware costs the same as before, Dell has a higher profit margin.

Answer 4

Yeah, they did. They basically bought them for the brand- Alienware doesn't do anything unique that Dell couldn't do themselves. Dell lets Alienware act as if they're a separate entity, but all their profit are belong to Dell.

Answer 5

yes Dell did buy Alienware early last year sometime. they just did a really good job of keepin the purchase under wraps so that the alienware image is not tarnished by th edell reputation.

Answer 6

Google own the vast, multimillion project "YouTube" and that hasn't changed either has it...

I would assume companies would not change the layout of a website quickly as that confuses customers. If someone like you is used to the AleinWare website then you know how to us it, in Dell's benifit.

Answer 7

Yes, they really did.
http://news.com.com/2061-10810_3-6070508.html

Answer 8

ya