Dell expands cloud security portfolio with SecureWorks buy

Dell is set to expand its portfolio of on-demand services after announcing an agreement to acquire SecureWorks, a software-as-a-service security provider, for an undisclosed sum.

The real fruits of the acquisition are SecureWorks' proprietary threat management platform and Counter Threat research unit, 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," he said.

"SecureWorks is a recognised industry leader in information security services, and its offerings and expertise will immediately enhance our solutions portfolio."

SecureWorks lists banks and credit unions among its customers, and claims to process more than 13 billion security events and identify 30,000 malware specimens a day.

Dell confirmed that it will maintain the current SecureWorks offering, while making investments in the provider's enhanced security portfolio.

Michael Cote, chief executive and chairman of SecureWorks, expects the company to grow under its new parent while keeping up the services it provides to existing customers.

"Dell's global scale and relationships with clients provides a tremendous opportunity to rapidly expand SecureWorks' business," he said.

"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 organisation, and that our clients will continue to be well served and well protected by the services on which they rely."

The transaction is expected to close in early 2011.