Dell gets down to business

In business sales, the computer maker passes Compaq in the third quarter, taking over the top spot. Mobil Oil also taps the company for a three-year deal.

Dell beats Compaq in business sales Dell became the largest vendor of PCs to U.S. businesses in the third quarter, passing its rival for the first time, according to analysts. Dell lands $75 million Mobil deal On the eve of new computer price wars, Dell will be the primary supplier of PC technology to the oil company. Reach of direct PC sellers expands Dell and others are rapidly transforming themselves into online storefronts, where customers can purchase a wide variety of products and services.