Dell says it is simplifying services offering

The computer maker, which has been trying to expand its sales of storage and other products for several years, on Wednesday said the new offerings would help companies manage the increase in digital file content from so-called Web 2.0 technologies in business.

Paul Kaely, who directs Dell's storage-consulting business, said the company was offering standardized short-term contracts in part of the technology market where contracts tend to be long and complex, intimidating smaller companies.

Kaely said Round Rock, Texas-based Dell sees an opportunity in helping small and midsize companies draft disaster-recovery plans, which many lack.

Dell competes with Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. in the storage hardware business, and the companies are seeking to expand their services offerings.

Technology research firm IDC predicted in December that storage services would grow about 2.3 percent per year, to $10 billion in 2011, driven by increasing demand for data storage and security.

Dell shares gained 45 cents, or 2 percent, to $23.49 in morning trading.