NFIB

Dell Launches Small-Business Award Program
02/05/2004

ROUND ROCK, Texas, Feb. 5, 2004 -- Dell today opened up competition for a newly created customer experience award program.

The program, established in conjunction with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), will honor small businesses that instill the spirit of innovation and apply information technology to improve the customer experience. Selection of the winner will be announced at the NFIB National Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., June 16 - 18, 2004.

The winner will receive $20,000 in technology from Dell; a "Day with Dell" program with Dell experts, including Michael Dell, to share best practices in technology; a lifetime membership to NFIB; and other prizes. Nine finalists will receive a Dell Latitude notebook computer and a one-year membership to NFIB.

"Twenty years ago, as a small business, we introduced the direct sales model, with a singular focus on listening to customers and working hard to get them exactly what they need," said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer. "This approach has been instrumental in our growth. Our partnership with NFIB gives us an opportunity to highlight the successes of small businesses through the award program."

"Small businesses fuel our economy and their success is essential to the productivity of the nation," said NFIB President and CEO Jack Faris. "NFIB is pleased to join Dell in honoring small businesses that provide exceptional customer service."

To be considered for the award, small businesses must show how they have used information technology to drive a significant change and/or develop a competitive advantage in delivering superior customer value and experience, including customer case studies.

For a complete description of the criteria and to submit a nomination, visit www.dell.com/excellenceaward. Submissions will be accepted online until March 31, 2004.

CONTACT: Amy King, 512.725.2743

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About NFIB: The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the nation's largest small-business advocacy group. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB represents the consensus views of its 600,000 members in Washington and all 50 state capitals. NFIB's 2004 National Small Business Summit will be held June 16-18 in Washington, D.C. More information is available at www.NFIB.com/summit.

About Dell : Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Company revenue for the past four quarters totaled $39.7 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

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