If you thought Quest Software was off the market because of the acquisition news announced by private equity firm Insight Venture Partners earlier this year, it turns out that isn't the case. I guess the old adage "it ain't over 'til it's over" holds true once again.

Quest had agreed in March to be acquired by Insight Venture Partners for $2 billion, or $23 a share, a deal that would have taken the company private. However, the deal struck between the two companies gave Quest a 60-day "go shop" period to see if it could find a better offer. If Quest could find a better deal in that 60-day window, it would have to pay Insight Venture a $6.3 million breakup fee; if Quest breaks off the deal for any other reason, it would have to pay Insight Venture $4.2 million. But those payment penalties aren't going to stop Quest from testing the waters.

There are reportedly several companies that are interested in or have already made offers to acquire Quest Software. One of the companies rumored to have opened its purse strings was the No. 3 computer manufacturer in the world, Dell.

Dell and Quest have been partnered since 2004, with Quest being one of Dell's top 10 worldwide partners and Dell being one of Quest's top 5 global partners.

If you don't think the partnership is serious, just check out the Quest website. Common priorities with Dell include:

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