Quick overview:
Far 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 a few meetings and project discussions, I had, among other things Dell to have a little chat with me at the 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 offers exclusively for companies (e.g. to create their own Google Search or for systems in your own car). True power solutions, perfectly tailored - but unfortunately not available to ordinary mortals.
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 want to get 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 am curious.
Sincerely,
Sandro Villinger
On Windows Tweaks you will find time-saving tech guides for PC, software & Microsoft. For a stress-free digital everyday life. Already we have been "tweaking" Windows since 1998 and just won't stop!
