Quest is one of the biggest Windows software vendors – it has over 80 freeware and comprehensive server management options – and its integration into Dell could improve the hardware-turned-hybrid company’s sales pitch.

Dell recently purchased Clerity software, which sells a suite of products to help with server consolidation. It also bought Make Technologies, which helps modernize server software. These two acquisitions, combined with the Quest purchase, expands Dell’s software portfolio.

One of Quest’s most popular trial downloads is ActiveRoles Server, which offers Active Directory account management. Quest’s other offerings include PowerGUI Pro, a PowerShell console for the command-line averse that helps with remote automation. It also sells a Recovery Manager for Active Directory and other products. And in June, Quest showed off its Quest Management Xtensions, which assist with mobile device management, at TechEd North America.

By offering Quest’s software at the point of sale with server hardware, Dell could have a unique sales strategy that its opponents don’t have.

According to IDC, Dell has 15% of overall server hardware market share as of Q4 2011, but it is trending upward, compared with declines from IBM and HP, the two leaders in server hardware.

When the purchase goes through, it remains to be seen whether or not Dell will consolidate or stop selling some of Quest’s products.

Are you looking to buy server hardware? Will Dell’s acquisition of Quest make you consider Dell? Let us know in the comments, by email or on Twitter @SearchWinServ.