Dell Announces Biggest Transformation in 42-Year History

Dell Technologies is preparing for a monumental shift in its operational structure. In a company-wide memo, Jeff Clarke, Dell's Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman, informed employees that they should expect the biggest transformation in the company's 42-year history.

The initiative, officially titled One Dell Way, represents a complete overhaul of the company's internal systems and processes. It is designed to prepare the technology giant for a future dominated by artificial intelligence and rapid digital demands.

According to Clarke, the modernization push will officially go live on May 3, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the corporation founded by Michael Dell in 1984.

The core objective of One Dell Way is to eliminate the inefficiencies caused by fragmented technology stacks. For years, Dell has operated with multiple variations of tools for fundamental business processes, including development, marketing, and sales.

Clarke's memo explicitly states that this legacy approach "won't cut it in an AI-driven world." The new platform aims to:

• Connect all company data seamlessly
• Break down operational silos
• Streamline software applications
• Automate repetitive tasks

The result, according to the internal communication, will be faster decision-making and more time for employees to focus on work that drives real impact.

We need one way—simplified, standardized, and automated—so we can be more competitive and serve our customers better.

The transition will not be gradual. Dell is implementing a single crossover date for the majority of its business operations. On May 3, 2026, the new operating system will activate for the Client Solutions Group (CSG), which handles the company's PC business.

Simultaneously, the following divisions will also transition to the new platform:

• Finance and Supply Chain
• Marketing and Sales
• Revenue Operations (RevOps)
• Services and HR Operations

The Infrastructure Solution Group (ISG), which manages cloud offerings and AI infrastructure, will follow in August 2026. Employees with responsibilities spanning both CSG and ISG will navigate the new processes for PC operations while maintaining legacy systems for infrastructure until the late summer transition.

The driving force behind this massive overhaul is the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. Clarke argues that simplifying the underlying infrastructure is foundational to success in the current technological landscape.

Regardless of how much capital is invested in AI tools, the technology cannot deliver speed or scale if the underlying data remains fragmented across different systems. One Dell Way is explicitly positioned as the necessary foundation to unlock the full potential of AI within the organization.

This requires a significant cultural shift. Clarke is asking employees to move from a "function-first" mindset to a "company-first" approach. This may occasionally mean making decisions that are not optimal for a specific department but improve the overall quality and speed for the corporation as a whole.

Jeff Clarke has issued a direct call to action for the workforce: "Be ready." The transition is described as comprehensive and irreversible; once the new systems go live on May 3, there will be no return to the old ways of working.

Training is identified as a critical component of the transition. Personalized training programs will open on February 3, 2026. All employees are expected to make this a priority to ensure a smooth launch.

The memo encourages a mindset of disruption and curiosity. Employees are asked to:

• Disrupt themselves and break free from old habits
• Embrace standardization as a tool for speed
• Operate with a sense of urgency

While the degree of change will vary by role, leadership has committed to supporting employees through the transition.

This transformation represents a defining chapter for Dell Technologies. While the company has navigated significant milestones previously—including going private, returning to public markets, and the $67 billion acquisition of EMC in 2016—leadership views this internal modernization as the most significant shake-up yet.

The project, previously developed under the codename "Maverick," has been in the works for several years, with employees signing NDAs to work on the initiative. As the February training launch approaches, the technology industry will be watching closely to see how one of the sector's oldest giants reinvents its internal machinery for the AI age.