Dell Computers, which this week reported record revenues of $3.2 billion (£2.13 billion) - for its third quarter, a 58 per cent rise over the same period last year, has launched its online tracking facility in Ireland. The service allows customers to electronically monitor the status of their orders. As goods move through the European manufacturing facility at Dell's plant in Limerick, customers can check via the Web site (http://www.dell.com/ie) what stage of the production process their computers have reached, and what the forecast delivery dates will be.

"The order status report is an excellent opportunity to provide added value on the site, and it is part of our strategy to offer pre- and post-sales advice. It proves Dell is not about shifting a box and walking away from the customer," says Ms Aine O'Dwyer, Internet marketing manager with Dell Ireland.

The order status facility operates in real time once customers enter their Dell order number and their individual customer number for authentication.