theCUBE Live at Dell World 2014 Michael Dell

After going private in October 2013, Dell Inc. is setting the pace for the data set of the future. “We’ve invested in our business, and it’s working,” said Dell CEO Michael Dell. “We’re big believers in software-defined and software-based networking and storage … being in control of our own destiny, it’s all good.”

The tech giant’s mission in privatizing was to expand its software and security, as well as to grow its share. And it has done just that during the past year. Michael Dell spoke to theCUBE hosts Dave Vellante and Stu Miniman at the 2014 Dell World Conference in Austin, TX today. “We’re showing off the innovations we’ve created in the past year,” said Dell. “They have resonated well with customers and our partner community. We’re gaining in terabytes shipped. Our revenues are growing, too. In a world where things are becoming software-defined, we’re number 1. The other guy is shrinking.”

Dell revealed how he strategically looks at financial pressures and plans for the future. “You have to step back and think of the purpose of an enterprise over time, and who does the enterprise serve? The first question I ask, ‘Is this really good for our customers?’ The second question I ask, ‘If the principals own the entire business, is this something they should be doing?’”

After privatizing, Dell re-injected the acceptance of risk within the organization and then placed bets across its business, making acquisitions and investing in the company. “They are mostly working,” Dell said. “Business is doing just fine.”

Investing in startups

Dell also noted that Dell Ventures continues to invest in interesting startups. “Dell has a record of expanding both organically and into new spaces,” he explained, adding that there are a lot of interesting growth vectors around cloud.

He also revealed that as a result of rapid software advancements, he sees the private cloud getting bigger and better. “We have the hardware, software, and services to make that happen,” he said. “We are not competing with our public cloud partners. We provide them with a lot of infrastructure. If our customers want a public cloud or private cloud, we’ll help them go there.”

In the software-defined world, Dell says his company must give customers choices. As such, the company works closely with major providers like Microsoft, VMware Inc., and Red Hat, Inc. “We are believers in choice,” stated Dell.

Dell concluded by reflecting on the current state of things. “We are in an incredible time that offers an amazing set of possibilities,” he said. “The impact that technology can have in our world … Companies are rethinking what they can do with all that information. We have a ton of opportunities and plenty on our plate at Dell.”

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