Dell Inc. (DELL) agreed Tuesday to acquire information-security company SecureWorks Inc., as the computer maker continues its expansion into providing technology services.

Financial terms of the all-cash deal weren't disclosed. SecureWorks, a privately-held company based in Atlanta, provides managed security services to companies looking for ways to protect information and data on their networks.

"When you look at Dell's evolution, this fits squarely inside our strategic framework," said Peter Altabef, president of Dell Services.

Dell has been on an acquisition spree in recent months, highlighted by its $820 million deal last month to acquire Compellent Technologies, a data-storage company. That deal came after the Round Rock, Texas-based company lost a high-profile bidding war against Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) in September for another data-storage provider, 3Par Inc.

Dell also has announced additional deals to acquire business-software firm Boomi Inc. and medical-data technology company InSite One Inc.

"Dell is working on transitioning their business model from being a tech provider to being a partner," Gleacher & Co. analyst Brian Marshall said. "They don't want to be viewed as a distribution pipeline, so this series of transactions hopes to make them a better technology partner for customers."

Hacking remains a nagging threat to computer network operators such as retailers and other companies, which are often targeted because of their troves of information such as credit card numbers and personal data.

"Cyber security is one of the primary challenges everyone faces," Altabef said. He labeled the deal a "growth acquisition" and said he expects every employee at SecureWorks to be offered a position when the deal closes, expected sometime this quarter.

SecureWorks has 700 employees and 2,900 customers around the world, including many of the largest U.S. corporations. The company registered more than $120 million in revenue during its fiscal 2010.

Analysts say Dell's buying spree could continue as the company makes efforts to expand its cloud-computing services in the security, storage and information management markets.

"Dell continues to collect the pieces which could eventually provide the core of cloud-based enterprise solutions," ISI analyst Abhey Lamba said. "We expect the company to acquire additional assets in the services and systems management software areas."

Dell shares recently slid four cents to $13.65.

--By Steven Russolillo, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2180; steven.russolillo@dowjones.com

--Matt Jarzemsky contributed to this report.
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