Tech blog

IT’s taken more span but-end computer vendor Dell will finally dive into the Australian retail scene having found an ally.

The identity of the partner will be revealed tomorrow, a Dell Australia spokesman said, declining to reveal further details. Possible candidates include David Jones, Myer and Officeworks.

Dell previously operated on a direct model, selling its products mainly through the internet. In some countries, including Australia, Dell operates kiosks at shopping malls to sell its wares.

Last year it kicked off a new retail strategy, teaming up with Wal-Mart and Best Buy in the US, Carrefour in Europe, Gome Electrical in China and Courts Superstore in Singapore to sell computers in their supplies.

In Australia, Dell has been speaking by potential companies for a few months and as recently as last month, its ANZ spokesman said the company was still evaluating the local mart before making at all announcements.

Retail giant Harvey Norman has in the past ruled out partnering with Dell.

Harvey Norman’s new office supplies division, OFIS, also dismissed any possible alliance.

"We’re not really interested in Dell," OFIS general manager Paul English said last year. "Harvey Norman, as a company, is about building long-term relationships and we can’t see that with them."