Guide Note

Gateway Inc is a manufacturer and distributer of personal computers and computer accessories such as servers, printers, and monitors. The company was founded in 1985, and used a similar marketing and development plan to that of Dell, in terms of direct sales of specifically designed and customized computers and distributing them directly to consumers with lower fixed costs than bigger corporate brands such as IBM. Gateway became known for their shipping boxes that featured markings like a cow would have on it. Later in the company's history, they would delve further into the consumer electronics market by producing digital cameras, MP3 players, television screens and more. In October of 2007, Gateway was acquired by Acer, a Taiwanese company which had previously purchased, among other assets, the Texas Instruments brand.

Fast Facts:

1. Founded in 1985 by Ted Waitt and Mike Hammond
2. Original HQ: Sioux City, IA
3. Current HQ: Irvine, CA
4. Current CEO: J. Edward Coleman
5. Known for: Shipping computers in cow-spotted boxes
6. October 2007: Purchased by Acer
7. In addition to PC's, they also sell notebook computers, software, computer accessories, and other electronics

The Cow Says Moo

While the initial business plan was similar to Dell in terms of offering consumers the ability to purchase customized computers at competitive prices, Gateway gained a market share by also opening Gateway stores across the country. In 2000, they acquired eMachines, which allowed for a streamlining of their production of computers. Gateway also provides a customer support center, as well as desktop, laptop, and server manufacturing, from a newly opened 'configuration center' in Nashville.