Dell calls Compaq?s Jackson

Steve Jackson, desktop product manager at Compaq, has quit the company to join arch-rival Dell, and is expected to take up a position in the direct manufacturer?s server division.

According to sources, Jackson left Compaq over two weeks ago and is on gardening leave until he takes up his new post later this month.

The move strengthens Dell?s position as a corporate player and increases the pressure on Compaq, which has stated regularly in recent months that it perceives direct vendors as its greatest threat.

In a letter sent to its reseller partners earlier this month, Compaq stated that it ?believes the direct response vendors are fast becoming the key competition both for Compaq and the indirect business model?.

A Compaq representative confirmed Jackson?s departure and said: ?We were disappointed to see Steve go.?

Dell refused to talk about the appointment, but said: ?In this industry, you can?t be sure about someone?s appointment until they walk through the door. Steve knows that he?s welcome to walk through our swing doors whenever he?s ready and we?ll be glad to have him aboard.?

Jackson?s move coincides with Dell taking on a marketing director to focus on the corporate market. Steve Rawsthorn has joined Dell from Bull Information Systems, where he was director of network services. Rawsthorn said: ?I see Compaq as a realistic organisation to target within the corporate arena and I am looking forward to the challenge.?