Microsoft, HP expand workplace tools partnership

Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard announced plans on Tuesday to expand their partnership designed to create tools and products that improve workplace communications and efficiency.

The US software giant and leading computer maker said that as part of their Frontline Partnership, they expect to invest an additional 180 million dollars in product development, professional services and joint sales and marketing.

The goal of the four-year initiative is to create "end-to-end unified communications and collaboration solutions," the companies said in a statement.

"The end-to-end solution, which is planned to span software, hardware, networking and services, would enable customers to improve business output and reduce travel, telecom and IT operating costs," they said.

"This would be accomplished by streamlining communications across messaging, video and voice with connected applications and devices," they added.

According to Stephen Elop, president of Microsoft Business Division: "This means one click to communicate, one click to conference, one click to collaborate."

(c) 2009 AFP