Dell Smartphone Plans More Than Just Rumors - Page 2

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Like many tech executives, he supports the IT provisions in the U.S. stimulus bill that is currently working its way through the Senate. Still, he questions the wisdom of the overall approach, particularly the bailout mentality that led to the funneling of hundreds of billions of dollars to failing banks.

According to Dell, some leaders in Davos said that to stimulate the economies in their own countries, they are trying to create favorable business conditions that will entice foreign companies to set up shop inside their borders -- rather than spending lavishly in the name of stimulus.

Dell, again echoing a popular refrain among tech leaders, said he sees IT as a central part of the solution to both the United States' economic woes and the long-term question of how the nation can better compete.

"The one word that is missing from [the stimulus package] is 'competitiveness.' And to me, that's a really big issue," he said. "If we're not competitive, then we've only put a Band-Aid on the problem."

The current stimulus bill would send billions of dollars to health IT initiatives, upgrade the country's electrical grid and bring broadband to rural and underserved areas.

Despite his reservations with the bill, Dell said its IT provisions could be an important step toward helping the country tackle big problems.

"I still get very excited about what the potential is for the industry to change the world," he added. "I think when you look at all the scientific and technical challenges that exist, whether it's in medicine or any other field, they're essentially computational problems. And at some point, we get enough computational power where we can solve those problems."

In healthcare, where Dell and numerous other firms are developing sophisticated technologies to digitize records and integrate systems, the need for an IT solution may be clearest.

"When I go to the doctor's office, I see a lot of files. It's a very last-century type of experience," he said. "You'll find more technology at the grocery store than at some doctors' offices."

Dell added, "When I look at industries across the United States, I would say healthcare is probably the least penetrated of industries, and has the greatest opportunity to further use IT to lower costs, to improve accuracy, to improve patient outcomes, to improve diagnoses. I think it's a fantastic opportunity and we're investing a lot in it."