Dell Completes EqualLogic Acquisition

Dell today announced the completion of its $1.4 billion acquisition of EqualLogic, a leading provider of high-performance storage area network (SAN) solutions designed for virtualization and ease-of-use. The purchase extends Dell’s leadership in simplifying IT for customers and partners. For additional information, click on dell.com/storage.

“Virtualization and iSCSI are two keys to simplifying IT,” said Michael Dell, chairman and CEO, Dell. “Enterprises are creating data and consuming power at an exponential rate, driving up IT cost and complexity. What we did for PCs and servers we are now going to do for storage. Together with our PartnerDirect channel, we will unleash the power of iSCSI and virtualization to make storing and processing data easier and more affordable.”

“Customers face extreme challenges with data growth,” said Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager, Dell storage. “Their ideal solution is secure storage that uses existing infrastructure, installs in minutes not days, manages itself, grows easily as needs increase and plugs into the virtualized IT ecosystem. That’s EqualLogic. And that’s the incredible value we will deliver to customers.”

EqualLogic Expands Dell PartnerDirect

Dell plans to preserve and build on EqualLogic’s successful channel program in addition to offering products directly from Dell. Starting today in the United States and ultimately around the world, current EqualLogic partners will be enrolled into PartnerDirect and eligible for Dell’s newest certification - Enterprise Architecture. Dell modeled its certification requirements and benefits on EqualLogic’s widely-regarded channel program and include access to Dell’s full server and storage product lines.

“The channel is critical to our go-to-market strategy, and we are committed to our partners’ continued success,” said Bob Skelley, director Americas Channel Group. “This is just the beginning. Dell will continue to innovate and differentiate to earn the business of our channel partners.”

In addition to standard benefits offered through PartnerDirect - deal registration, pre- and post-sale support, partner financing and access to Dell’s partner e-commerce site, partners certified in Enterprise Architecture will be able to take advantage of:

• Free training (once only available to Dell’s direct sales force) for proficiency in Dell’s full enterprise product line, as well as EqualLogic;
• EqualLogic’s same competitive pricing model; and
• Lead generation and marketing incentive funds.