Dell Inc. (DELL) agreed to buy modernization services company
Clerity Solutions Inc., marking yet another push by the computer
maker to broaden its offerings for business customers.
Chicago-based Clerity helps customers move applications and data
from legacy computing systems into more modern architectures such
as so-called cloud networks.
Following its policy about acquisitions of private companies,
Dell didn't provide financial details of the transaction.
Faced with soft PC sales, Dell has been increasing its focus on
high-margin business products including storage products, security,
services and networking. Since 2009, the company has acquired about
a dozen companies, including a number in recent weeks.
Just Monday, the company said it had agreed to acquire privately
held Wyse Technology Inc., whose desktop virtualization
technologies allow computers to remotely access applications and
documents stored on a server without storing the information on the
device. Wyse also provides software that allows companies to
securely and remotely manage their devices.
Dell in February said fourth-quarter earnings fell 18% as a
shortage of disk drives hurt its ability to sell higher-end
computers, though revenue edged up 2.2%.
Shares closed Monday at $16.77 and were inactive premarket. The
stock has gained 15% so far this year.
-By Mia Lamar, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-3207;
mia.lamar@dowjones.com