Dell's 2/3 sales to come from non-US markets

In the next five years two-third of Dell's revenue will come from outside of the US market. "BRIC countries-- Brazil, Russia, India, and China--led the company's growth in the emerging countries with revenue up by 58 per cent. And on a year-on-year basis unit shipment grew by 73 per cent," said Steve Felice, vice-president APAC and Japan. In the APAC region revenue in India grew 52 per cent and in China by 31 per cent.

He also said that India and China will be the test ground for Dell when launching its low-cost computing products.

"Our low cost computing products will be first made available in India and China markets. Other than the price point we also plan to meet the functionality expectations that a user wants, which many other vendors have not been able to deliver," Felice.

Earlier this year, Dell launched its first low-cost laptop Dell 500 in India with a starting price of Rs 24,500. The company maintained that several more products will be launched in the second half of 2008.

Dell might launch independent Dell Stores in India to increase its reach and sales. Felice said, "We are testing standalone Dell stores and there is a possibility that we might set up such stores in India." The company recently announced its retail foray with tie-up with Tata Croma along with its direct marketing strategy.

To keep up with the growth in the APAC region, Dell will also see a corresponding increase in the headcounts in Asia. On the other hand, Dell as a part of its cost cutting measures have already reduced 7,000 employees from its US and Europe operations.

Dell has 30,000 employees throughout APAC. Of which 15,000 support the respective geography operations in APAC and Japan. The rest support functions across the globe. "Compared to last year we added just about 1,000 employees. This is a part of better management and helps controlling cost," added Felice.