Dell to Acquire SecureWorks

ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dell today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire SecureWorks® Inc., a globally recognized provider of information-security services. SecureWorks’ industry leading Security-as-a-Service solutions include 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.

“The frequency and sophistication of attacks on technology infrastructure and malicious attempts to access data, requires reliable, capable and innovative information security”

Organizations of all sizes and across diverse industries – including Global 500 companies, mid-sized businesses, financial services, utilities, healthcare, retail and manufacturing – rely on SecureWorks’ industry-leading 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 easily with client environments. In addition, SecureWorks’ world-class Counter Threat Unit^sm research team helps protect clients across multiple industries from ever-changing global IT threats.

SecureWorks processes more than 13 billion security events and sees more than 30,000 malware specimens each day. The company has more than 1,500 banks and credit unions as managed security services clients and is protecting trillions of dollars in financial assets. Its reliability, capability and focus on client service has earned SecureWorks a best-in-class customer satisfaction rating from its global client base.

The acquisition is the latest strategic investment by Dell as it expands its portfolio of enterprise-class IT-as-a-Service solutions. 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.

Founded in 1999, SecureWorks is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and serves thousands of clients in 70 countries, including more than 15 percent of the Fortune 500. The company has approximately 700 employees and projects Fiscal Year 2010 revenue of more than $120 million. Gartner has positioned SecureWorks in the Leaders quadrant of its “Magic Quadrant for MSSPs, North America” report based on criteria that includes a company’s completeness of vision and ability to execute. Forrester named SecureWorks as one of only two “leaders” cited in The Forrester Wave^TM: Managed Security Services, Q3 2010. SecureWorks was among the companies that received top ratings in several categories: including value proposition, vertical and geographic footprint, and infrastructure and perimeter security.

Quotes

“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.”

“Dell’s global scale and relationships with clients provides a tremendous opportunity to rapidly expand SecureWorks’ business,” states Michael Cote, CEO and Chairman of SecureWorks. “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.”

Closing and Initial Integration

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.

About SecureWorks

SecureWorks is one of the top information security service providers protecting over 2,900 clients worldwide spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. Organizations of all sizes, including more than 15 percent of the Fortune 500, rely on SecureWorks to protect their assets, improve compliance and reduce costs. The combination of award-winning security technology, strong client service, and experienced security professionals makes SecureWorks the premier provider of information security services for any organization. SecureWorks was one of only two "leaders" cited in The Forrester Wave™: Managed Security Services, Q3 2010 report (August 2010). SecureWorks has won SC Magazine's "Best Managed Security Service" award for 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 and has been named to the Inc. 500, Inc. 5000 and the Deloitte lists of fastest-growing companies. www.secureworks.com

About Dell

Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology, business solutions and services they trust and value. Dell Services develops and delivers a comprehensive suite of services and solutions in applications, business process, consulting, infrastructure and support to help customers succeed. For more information, visit www.dell.com.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Special Note:

Statements in this press release that relate to future results and events are forward-looking statements based on Dell's current expectations. Actual results and events in future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements because of a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Risks and uncertainties include the possibility that the transaction may not be timely completed, if at all; that, prior to the completion of the transaction, SecureWorks’ business may experience disruptions due to transaction-related uncertainty or other factors making it more difficult to maintain relationships with employees, customers or vendors; that the parties are unable to successfully implement the plans, strategies and objectives of management for post-acquisition operations, including the execution of integration strategies; and other risks that are described in Dell’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports. Dell undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.