Dell snaps up SonicWall for $1.2 billion

Taking another step in the direction of its continued plans to expand its enterprise solutions portfolio, Dell has bought SonicWall for a reported $1.2 billion.

The boards of directors from both companies approved the deal. Terms were not disclosed for the acquisition, which Dell said it expects to close in its second fiscal quarter.

SonicWall has claimed that it has 300,000 customers using its array of firewalls, secure remote access, email security, backup and recovery and policy, management and reporting. Other security acquisitions by Dell include Dell SecureWorks security services and Dell KACE vulnerability and patch management.

The acquisition will be used by Dell is said to expand its enterprise security portfolio, adding more than 130 registered and pending patents. SonicWall also has a channel program with 15,000 resellers. Dell plans to integrate that program with its own PartnerDirect program. Resellers from both parties is said to be able to sell Dell's and SonicWall's security portfolio when the deal is closed.