ZDNet: If that's the case, why haven't standards emerged for simpler problems that are older than the blade one; problems that exist in some of Dell's bread-and-butter categories. For example, power adapters for notebooks. This iGo Juice power adapter from Mobility Electronics, which charges notebooks and cellphones simultaneously, works for every notebook and cellphone, but you have to order it with special adapters to match your specific equipment. There's an example of where standards could've helped a long time ago, but where no one has pushed because it doesn't affect any particular vendor's market traction.
Marengi: I agree. If that's a problem for customers, we should be solving it. You shouldn't need 27 different adapters to get electricity into your computer. The industry absolutely has to start looking at the way it addresses technology from the users' eyes. By the way, we just did a deal with Mobility Electronics and they'll be making those power adapters for us. [Editor's note: In other words, if you have a Dell notebook, you can leave the charger for your cell phone or your PDA at home. It's about time notebook manufacturers spotted this opportunity.]
ZDNet: So, what will it take to get a blade standard done?
Marengi: Intel. Intel is in the best position to drive a standard at this point. Intel can put the cooperative in place and everyone else would pretty much have to follow.
ZDNet: Surely you've suggested this to Intel.
Marengi: You'll have to ask Intel.
ZDNet: Dell's big enough. Why don't you lead the effort?
Marengi: We're working with partners right now. But I can't say who. I can say that there are host of standards bodies and groups that we sit on or are involved with. But none of it solves the problem created when the other three vendors -- IBM, Sun, and HP -- are in different camps
ZDNet: What about RLX?
Marengi: RLX is dead. Gone. They had a great concept, but went with the wrong chip. [Editors' note: Marengi is speaking of RLX's selection of Transmeta processors for some of its blade offerings. RLX uses Intel processors as well and the last time we checked, RLX was still open for business. That said, whether or not a small player can endure in a niche that the heavyweights take interest in -- what Marengi was really alluding to -- is always a valid question.]
