Dell to preload Trend Micro software on PCs

Jim Finkle

BOSTON: Japanese security software maker Trend Micro Inc. has teamed with PC maker Dell Inc. to sell Internet security software to consumers, a Trend Micro executive has said.

However, the financial terms involved were not disclosed.

Starting next week Dell will load free 90-day trial versions of PC-cillin on PCs shipped to North American consumers.

In February, the computer maker will designate Trend Micro's PC-cillin software as "Dell Recommended" on its Web site catalog, said Trend Micro's president of North American operations, Lane Bess. Dell currently recommends a rival product from McAfee Inc. It puts Symantec Corp.'s second.

The arrangement does not automatically funnel sales to Trend Micro, but could help the Japanese software company's efforts to boost its North American market share, which stands at 7 percent -- far behind Symantec and McAfee.

Dell has been selling PC-cillin with its PCs since July.

Starting in February, PC-cillin will be placed at the top of list with "Dell Recommended" prominently stamped next to that listing.

It will also get more space on the Dell site.

Officials at McAfee and Symantec didn't return calls seeking comment.

Dell spokeswoman Jennifer Davis said the computer maker would continue to sell Symantec and McAfee software, regardless of any other marketing arrangements.

"What we're all about when it comes to PC security is offering our customers choice," she said.

Trend Micro will release an upgrade to PC-cillin on Monday. It was developed with help from Dell, which asked customers what features they wanted incorporated into security software.

In Japan its home market, the company's Virus Buster software has a market share in the low 30s, Bess said. That puts it slightly ahead of rival products from Symantec and McAfee.