The title is especially appropriate: Dell explains that the original core strategy of Dell Computer (in 1984) remains the same today. That is, direct contact with customers. In fact, direct sales has always been Michael Dell's own strategy, selling stamps (at age 12), selling newspaper subscriptions (at age 16), or selling upgraded PCs and add-on components to fellow students at the University of Texas (at age 18). DIRECT. Eliminate intermediaries. Eliminate waste. According to Dell, his competitive strategies are "speed to market; superior customer services; a fierce commitment to producing consistently high quality, custom-made computer systems that provide the highest performance and the latest relevant technology to our customers; and an early exploitation of the Internet." Obviously, not every start-up company will eventually achieve the success that Dell Computer has. In fact few will. But there is a great deal to be learned from this book which can be of significant value to any organization. School and college students should also read this book. It provides convincing, indeed compelling evidence of what creative thinking in combination with hard work and determination can accomplish. Michael Dell's is among the most interesting success stories in the contemporary business world.