Is Dell's channel offering good for partners?

Dell has finally stepping into the channel, is offering products and partnering with our typical distributors. This is a benefit for APs who want to offer Dell products and their name brand, but want to remain in control.
Can Dell balance its business between direct-to-consumer, whitebox solutions, and the channel? it seems so until you consider the many discounts and offers Dell hands directly to consumers and direct business customers.
ChannelInsider considers Dell's past, its pricing and our future with Dell in this interesting article.