Dell to preload Trend Micro software on PCs

BOSTON - Japanese security software maker TrendMicro Inc. (Nasdaq: - ) has teamed with PC maker Dell Inc. to sellInternet security software to consumers, a Trend Microexecutive said on Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Starting next week Dell will load free 90-day trialversions of PC-cillin on PCs shipped to North Americanconsumers.

In February, the computer maker will designate TrendMicro's PC-cillin software as "Dell Recommended" on its Website catalog, said Trend Micro's president of North Americanoperations, Lane Bess. Dell currently recommends a rivalproduct from McAfee Inc. (NYSE: - ). It puts Symantec Corp.'s(Nasdaq: - ) second.

The arrangement does not automatically funnel sales toTrend Micro, but could help the Japanese software company'sefforts to boost its North American market share, which standsat 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 topof list with "Dell Recommended" prominently stamped next tothat listing.

It will also get more space on the Dell site.

Officials at McAfee and Symantec didn't return callsseeking comment.

Dell spokeswoman Jennifer Davis said the computer makerwould continue to sell Symantec and McAfee software, regardlessof any other marketing arrangements.

"What we're all about when it comes to PC security isoffering 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 customerswhat features they wanted incorporated into security software.

In Japan its home market, the company's Virus Bustersoftware has a market share in the low 30s, Bess said. Thatputs it slightly ahead of rival products from Symantec andMcAfee.

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