Dell builds security strength with SonicWall buy

Vendor aims for network security market dominance, and reassures SonicWall channel partners

Dell has outlined its aggressive security ambitions by signing a definitive agreement to acquire SonicWall.

The vendor also pledged its allegiance to the channel with the acquisition, promising to "take the best" of SonicWall’s partner programme and combine it with the Dell PartnerDirect programme.

SonicWall has a global network of 15,000 resellers. Dell said the SonicWall portfolio will also be available to its resellers as a result of the acquisition.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will see SonicWall’s next-generation firewalls and UTM firewalls complement Dell’s existing security portfolio, consisting of the Dell SecureWorks product set and the Dell Kace vulnerability and patch management portfolio. It is expected to close in the second quarter of Dell’s FY 2013.

John Swainson, president of Dell Software Group, said: “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.

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

Matt Madeiros, president and chief executive of SonicWall, said: “Dell’s distribution, reach and brand are well recognised across the industry. This transaction aligns well with Dell’s mid-market design focus.

“SonicWall is also recognised as a leading security solutions provider for small and medium businesses through our UTM solutions. Dell’s phenomenal breadth and reach into small and mid-sized companies provides a significant opportunity to expand our customer base.”