Michael Dell has returned as the chief executive for the computer manufacturer that he founded in 1984.

The move reminds of the return of Steve Jobs to Apple in 1997 after he ceded the CEO chair in 1983. The main difference of course is that Jobs was forced to leave Apple in 1985, where Michael Dell has always stayed on as the company's chairman.

31 Jan 2007

Dell needs to revamp its product portfolio just like Apple needed to 10 years ago.

Dell has branded itself as a maker of low cost machines and now is stuck selling systems that lack in profitability and has been pushing high end systems under the XPS brand and acquired Alienware.

But contrary to Steve Jobs, Michael Dell isn't known for his technology vision. Instead he is a clever businessman who was able to adopt an innovative business model that literally killed much of the competition. Beige computer boxes don't drive growth anymore. Innovation and appealing design do.

It remains unclear if Michael Dell can provide a solution to those problems.

Dell at CES last January