Fayetteville, Ark. - Dell has joined as the latest corporate member of the Information Technology Research Center (ITRC) in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas. Dell joins 14 other leading corporations from non-competing industries who are currently members of the ITRC.

"We are very excited to have Dell join the IT Research Center," said Bill Hardgrave, executive director of the ITRC and Edwin and Karlee Bradberry Chair. "Dell’s leadership in the computer industry and their successful application of e-commerce as their leading sales channel has positioned Dell at a pivotal location in the IT industry. Dell’s membership expands our representation in the key area of IT computer infrastructure. Our new relationship with Dell promises benefits to Dell and the Walton College through opportunities for discussion, research, and industry interaction with our faculty and students. It also facilitates a relationship among ITRC members, such that Dell will have the opportunity to interact with IT organizations operating across 14 other industries to learn their computer needs and issues. Existing members will also benefit through direct contact with this leading computer supplier who supports many of the platforms on which IT products operate. Having a computer company on our board will broaden our range of insight."

Charlie McMurtry, vice president for Dell Information Technology Global Data Management, is Dell’s representative to the ITRC board of advisors in the Walton College. The ITRC board of advisors is comprised of 15 information technology executives from some of the nation’s largest companies who meet regularly to provide input on the Center’s research direction, Walton College curriculum and technology trends.

"We are delighted to have someone of Charlie’s caliber join the board," said Bill Hardgrave. "His industry experience and knowledge will be a real asset to the ITRC. Charlie has already started contributing to the ITRC mission by participating in our Fall board of advisors’ meeting, the IT Executive Forum, and speaking with several information systems classes as a member of our Executive in the classroom program."

McMurtry is an alumnus of the Walton College with a BSBA in marketing. He is responsible for the data warehouse, operational data stores, database administration, data architecture, customer relationship management strategy and the Oracle project management office.

 Prior to joining Dell in December 2001, McMurtry was vice president of application development for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. He has served in a variety of senior IT roles, including 14-year stints with both Wal-Mart and NCR. He brings significant experience in global applications and systems development, data warehousing, customer response management and e-commerce.

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq: DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. The company's revenue for the past four quarters totaled $33.7 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

The ITRC was established in the Walton College in 1999 with a portion of the endowment created by the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation gift of $50 million in 1998. The ITRC conducts IT research for and with organizations, collects and analyzes data, provides on-site research reviews, hosts research workshops and provides research facilities.

For more information on the ITRC, check the web at http://itrc.uark.edu or contact (479) 575-4261.