Dell has laid the foundation for a broader move into software with a $2.4bn all-cash acquisition that will accelerate the US company’s push beyond its core personal computer business.

The purchase of Quest Software, revealed yesterday, was intended to bring Dell a presence in software areas such as systems management and security and serve as the platform for future deals, according to John Swainson, president of software at Dell.

A long-time IBM executive and former chief executive of software maker CA, Mr Swainson was brought in by Dell last year to help its expansion beyond hardware, which accounts for about 87 per cent of its revenues, while also bringing a larger base of repeat revenues and reducing the volatility in Dell’s business during periods of economic weakness.