Taking their pre-existing association a step further, BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM) and computer biggie Hewlett Packard (HP) have worked out a "strategic alliance" whereby both the companies will be working jointly to provide mobile services for their business customers.

Elaborating on the RIM-HP partnership, Paul Tsaparis - CEO of Hewlett-Packard Canada Ltd - said: "Under the HP and RIM alliance we plan to design solutions that make mobile employees more productive, help businesses increase service levels and save money on their mobile investments. Despite the tough economic times, we see opportunities to enable mobile professionals in a secure, trusted way as being extremely important to both of our businesses."

In a joint statement, RIM and HP said that as per the partnership terms, they will design and launch new software for perking up the efficiency of those business people who work while they are on the move. The proposed software would include HP's CloudPrint for BlackBerry smartphones, which will allow BlackBerry users to print emails, documents, photos and Web pages straight from their devices, at any printer so long as the Internet remains accessible.

For better managing and controlling IT, HP will also bring HP Operations Manager for the BlackBerry Enterprise Server. HP's Web service and server software for BlackBerry will likely be launched at this week's Wireless Enterprise Symposium in Orlando, Florida.