10/04/2005
CONTACT: Roe Thiessen, Dell, (512) 725-1405
or Michael Diegel, NFIB, (202) 314-2004
ROUND ROCK, Texas -- With all the advances in technology, sending an e-mail isn't exactly brain surgery … or is it?
If you're Dr. Timothy Kriss, a rural Kentucky neurosurgeon and winner of the 2005 Dell/National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Excellence Award, the two are often part of a day's work. Furthermore, Dr. Kriss is providing old-fashioned customer service by relying on what he knew least about -- information technology.
"Before I started my own business, I did not even know how to close a window, open a browser or send an e-mail," said Dr. Kriss of Versailles, Ky. "But I knew that a smart use of technology could help me run a more efficient practice and let me be the kind of doctor I wanted to be."
Frustrated by the inefficiencies he saw in a large medical practice, Dr. Kriss started his own specialty medical office -- a throwback to the days when physicians provided a much more personal level of service. Instead of rural patients traveling long distances and waiting for hours to see a physician, Dr. Kriss created a mobile medical clinic that goes to them.
During these visits, he has at his disposal more than 5,000 electronic medical records stored on two Dell notebook computers. He also uses voice recognition software to deliver real-time medical records and diagnosis during appointments. Dr. Kriss also has an established relationship with the regional medical center if surgery is necessary for his patients.
"This mobile technology enables me to have a very different business model -- a low-volume, low-overhead, efficient practice that allows me to be an old-fashioned doctor who takes his time with his patients," said Dr. Kriss.
"Never before have so many entrepreneurs combined their creative energy with a smart use of IT to achieve their dreams," said Michael Dell. "Dr. Kriss exemplifies the drive, innovation and customer focus that helped Dell grow from its small-business roots over 20 years ago."
Established in 2004, the Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award honors small businesses that represent a spirit of innovation in applying information technology to improve the customer experience.
"This award program allows us to showcase entrepreneurs like Dr. Kriss who are reinventing their business models and improving customer service," said Jack Faris, CEO of NFIB. "Technology is more accessible and affordable now than ever and we encourage other small businesses to look at their business models and see how technology can help them."
As the 2005 winner, Dr. Kriss will receive $30,000 in Dell technology and services, a lifetime NFIB membership and will spend a day at Dell's headquarters to learn best practices from Michael Dell and other senior Dell executives.
About NFIB
The National Federation of Independent Business 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, D.C., and all 50 state capitals.
About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) is a trusted and diversified information-technology supplier and partner, and sells a comprehensive portfolio of products and services directly to customers worldwide. Dell, recognized by Fortune magazine as America's most admired company and No. 3 globally, designs, builds and delivers innovative, tailored systems that provide customers with exceptional value. Company revenue for the last four quarters was $52.8 billion.
