Dell was selling the unbranded desktop PCs, or white boxes, to resellers through its Solution Provider Direct program, but found that the solution providers would rather sell Dell-branded products, company spokesperson Roe Thiessen said. "This shows that we can explore different channels and meet customer demand. Our brand still works and still resonates well," Thiessen said. She declined to specify how many solution providers the vendor had signed up to sell unbranded systems. Bill Hook, president of Keystone Computer LLC, based in Dubois, Pa., said he always viewed Dell's unbranded system initiative as a ploy to take market share away from small systems builders such as himself. But, he said, what Dell may not have counted on is that small, locally based systems builders have nurtured long relationships with customers who trust their recommendations and enjoy face-to-face contact. "People that I talk to generally don't buy the Dell after they talk to me," Hook said.