Dell acquires SonicWALL

Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) today announced it is expanding its security portfolio with the acquisition of network security vendor SonicWALL for an undisclosed sum.

SonicWALL’s Next-Generation Firewalls and Unified Threat Management (UTM) Firewalls will sit alongside Dell’s recently acquired SecureWorks security services, cloud security and data encryption solutions, and Dell KACE vulnerability and patch management.

The vendor has enjoyed a shopping spree over the past couple of years in a bid to build a complete enterprise stack. As well as SecureWorks, the last year alone has seen Dell snap up storage firm Compellent and networking vendor Force 10.

“We are building a strategic software portfolio to address the needs of our customers with key assets in the fast-growing and highly profitable IT security solutions business. Our customers see security as a key IT concern for the foreseeable future,” said John Swainson, president of Dell’s Software Group, in a statement.

“SonicWALL gives Dell access to unique intellectual property resources and technology that position us well in fast growing parts of the software security business.”

SonicWALL, which develops all of its own key security gateway intellectual property, has more than 300,000 customers using its firewalls, secure remote access, email security, backup and recovery, and policy, management and reporting.

Dell says it plans combine the best of SonicWALL’s channel programmes with its own PartnerDirect programme, adding its partners will be able to sell SonicWALL products. The firm says it also looks forward to welcoming SonicWALL’s 950 employees, and plans continued investments to grow the business.

“Dell’s distribution, reach and brand are well-recognised across the industry... [Its] phenomenal breadth and reach into small and midsize companies provides a significant opportunity to expand our customer base,” added Matt Medeiros, president and CEO, SonicWALL.

Comments CheckPoint’s UK MD, Terry Greer-King: “It’s interesting and there are lots of vendors moving into the space. SonicWALL is a sound product but the challenge is the business model. Buying one discreet vendor with one solution is not enough; you have to live and breath...you need more than just one product.”