Dell is the next major channel player set to report its numbers. Fourth quarter results are scheduled for release Thursday, but what will be more significant is Dell's 1Q projection, since those numbers are more likely to reflect results from its recently launched channel program. Dell and HP are battling for mind share among resellers and retailers, and HP has a big lead in both those areas. Still, Dell is expected to report a 13 percent revenue increase for the last quarter (ended Jan. 31), which would put it above $16 billion in quarterly sales. If  Dell hopes to catch HP, it will need to spike sales through VARs and other channel partners.