Dell to Acquire Security Services Provider SecureWorks

Acquisition will Expand Dell’s Services Portfolio with Security-as-a-Service Solutions 

Dell today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Atlanta based SecureWorks Inc., a provider of information-security services. SecureWorks provides Security-as-a-Service solutions including Managed-Security Services, Security and Risk Consulting Services and Threat Intelligence.

The acquisition expands Dell’s global IT-as-a-Service offerings and information security expertise, of which the security element has been relatively weak compared to rivals HP and IBM.

SecureWorks processes more than 13 billion security events and sees more than 30,000 malware specimens each day. The company claims more than 1,500 banks and credit unions as managed security services clients and is protecting trillions of dollars in financial assets. Its client base of Global 500 companies, mid-sized businesses, financial services, utilities, healthcare, retail and manufacturing rely on SecureWorks’ security services to reduce risk, improve regulatory compliance and lower costs of managing IT security. The company’s proprietary threat management platform is scalable and integrates with client environments. In addition, SecureWorks’ world-class Counter Threat Unitsm research team helps protect clients across multiple industries from ever-changing global IT threats.

SecureWorks has approximately 700 employees and projects Fiscal Year 2010 revenue of more than $120 million.

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.

“The frequency and sophistication of attacks on technology infrastructure and malicious attempts to access data, requires reliable, capable and innovative information security,” said Peter Altabef, President, Dell Services. “SecureWorks is a recognized industry leader in information security services and its offerings and expertise will immediately enhance our solutions portfolio. We look forward to welcoming SecureWorks team members – who bring their passion and dedication to serving clients with best-in-class security services – to Dell and our clients.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in early 2011. Dell plans to maintain SecureWorks’ current operations and continue to make investments in enhanced security offerings. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.