Dell to acquire information-security services firm SecureWorks

Computer maker, Dell Inc yesterday said that it will buy information-security services provider SecureWorks Inc in order to expand its portfolio of IT security service solutions, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1999 and based in Atlanta, SecureWorks provides information security services and protects computers, network and information assets from malicious activity, hacking or cybercrime for its customers.

The privately held company has more than 2,900 clients in 70 countries spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. Organisations of all sizes, including more than 15 per cent of the Fortune 500 are its clients.

SecureWorks's proprietary, purpose-built security management platform enables highly effective and scalable Managed Security Services – processing over 13 billion events per day.

Both companies are familiar with each other since Dell's SMB unit currently has an existing services agreement with SecureWorks and has delivered security solutions using Dell technology since 2005.

SecureWorks, which has about 700 employees and projects FY 2010 revenue of more than $120 million has been named by Deloitte as one of the fastest-growing companies.

The acquisition is the latest strategic investment by Texas-based Dell as it expands its portfolio of enterprise-class IT-as-a-Service solutions and comes after it acquired mid-range data storage firm Compellent Technologies, for $960 million in cash.

Though Dell did not disclose financial terms of SecureWorks acquisition, it said the deal was expected to close early this year.