Dell Buys SecureWorks To Expand Managed Security Offerings

The deal expands Dell's "IT-as-a-service" offerings and gives the computer maker a global footprint in the managed security space, according to Peter Altabef, president of Dell services.

"The frequency and sophistication of attacks on technology infrastructure and malicious attempts to access data, requires reliable, capable and innovative information security," Altabef said in a statement. "SecureWorks is a recognized industry leader in information security services and its offerings and expertise will immediately enhance our solutions portfolio."

Building its capabilities as a managed security services provider (MSSP) is an important next step in Dell’s strategy to help clients drive better efficiency across the enterprise and dramatically simplify the management of IT infrastructure, according to Dell.

The deal will be Dell's 13th acquisition since early 2008.

SecureWorks was founded in 1999 and has almost 3,000 clients in 70 countries, according to the Atlanta-based company. Customers range from Fortune 500 companies down to SMBs, according to SecureWorks. The company claims to process more than 13 billion security events and see more than 30,000 malware specimens each day.

"Dell's global scale and relationships with clients provides a tremendous opportunity to rapidly expand SecureWorks' business," said Michael Cote, chairman and CEO of SecureWorks in a statement. "With Dell's commitment to our clients, our team and our market, I am confident that SecureWorks will flourish as part of the Dell Services organization and that our clients will continue to be well-served and well-protected by the services on which they rely."

Dell plans to maintain SecureWorks' current operations while investing in enhancements. The deal is expected to close early this year, according to Dell.

Shares of Dell were up 11 cents to $13.80 per share, or 0.8 percent, in Tuesday morning trading after the acquisition was announced.