MaSSSoftech

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--For Dell Inc. (DELL), trying to become a one-stop technology shop comes at a hefty price.

The world's second-largest computer maker paid a steep premium to acquire Perot Systems Corp. (PER), especially when compared to Hewlett-Packard Co.'s (HPQ) similar acquisition of Electronic Data Systems last year. But Dell needed a big move into information-technology services to keep pace with H-P and other rivals as computer profits dwindle. Perot Systems' position in two still-strong markets - health care and government - makes the company a particularly felicitous purchase.

Round Rock, Texas-based Dell will pay $3.9 billion, or $30 ...