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Desktop PCs as the basis for industrial PCs - thinking outside the box

December 2, 2010
Updated: December 6, 2021
Quick overview:

Away from Windows news, background reports and tips: Last week I had the opportunity to visit the SPS/IPC/DRIVES show. What was initially an uninteresting trade fair for me turned out to be an interesting look beyond consumer PCs and onto the market for industrial PCs and automation solutions. I looked around in amazement: Head-up displays in 3D glasses for controlling production systems and easy-to-program automation robots. The future seems close.

Why was I there? In addition to some meetings and project discussions, Dell had contacted me to have a little chat with me at their stand. At first I thought it was just an advertising talk, but after 2 minutes it got interesting: Especially when I was introduced to the special PCs ("Optiplex XE") that Dell manufactures exclusively for companies (e.g. to provide their own Google search in the company network or for systems in their own car). True power solutions, perfectly tailored - but unfortunately not available to the average person.

Dell OEM

It was worth taking a closer look behind the scenes, I thought, and promptly received answers to my questions:  Dell OEM uses commercially available Dell workstations as the basis for the so-called "Industrial PCs". The innards are the same as those of the predecessors. However, they are specially designed for more difficult environments, such as rooms with temperatures of up to 55° or particularly dusty areas. The buyer's perspective is very clear: companies. Compared to the standard solutions, a potential buyer has full control over the housing (shapes and colors) and the solutions that can be installed on it. Dell offers these PCs at volume prices and installs special operating systems and programs on request. Those who want something very special can even have Dell develop their own software for their company, which can then be installed on the Industrial PC are pre-installed. Another advantage for companies: The platform is retained for several years - so you can buy and order spare parts at any time. This is not common.

Enough said about what I'm getting at: I was promised exclusive photos of these special solutions. Anyone who wants to know what goes on behind the scenes at a large PC company will get some interesting insights. I'm looking forward to it.

Sincerely,
Sandro Villinger

Founded Windows Tweaks as a teenager in 2001, his helpful PC tricks made it Germany's most visited Windows site (at the time Sandro looked like this). He then went on to write for international publications such as PC-Praxis, Computerbild, PCWorld in the USA, IMTEST.de and Hifi.de. Sandro's main job is as Global Product Marketing Lead and Consultant for various global tech companies, including Microsoft, AVG, Avast, Nero, TeamViewer, Swiss IT Security Group and now currently in the fintech sector for Gendigital. But he can't get rid of his passion and shares his tweaks here again. Privately, he enjoys traveling the world and loves Asia, especially Japan, Singapore and Korea, but also natural places like Iceland and the Nordics. You can reach Sandro via e-mail.

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