Targeting the wireless enterprise market, Microsoft Corp. announced a partnership with systems integrators to jointly develop and market mobile deployments to businesses.

The initiative, dubbed Microsoft Mobility Workplace, brings the Redmond, Wash., company together with HP Services, Accenture, Cap Gemni Earnst & Young, and other systems integrators to roll out devices, applications and services geared to meet the needs of businesses' mobile needs.

"Windows Powered mobile devices are powerful tools for mobile professionals that offer even greater potential when they are deployed by and truly extend enterprises," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement. "Enterprises that fully utilize devices to keep their information workers in touch with colleagues and customers have increased opportunities to enhance customer satisfaction and extend productivity gains."

The first fruit of Mobility Workplace is a Windows-based messaging service called Mobile Messaging, which will run over Microsoft-built Pocket PCs and Smartphones beginning this fall.

The alliance is meant to simplify the complicated process of implementing wireless technologies from various vendors across businesses, bringing together planning, deployment, security, device choice, and customer service.

Mobile Messaging will be offered as an all-in-one solution, including planning and deployment, security, Pocket PCs and Smartphones, and integration.

Last month, speaking at TechXNY/PC Expo, Microsoft unveiled its new Tablet PC, a hybrid of a PC and PDA, which the company hopes will serve the needs of the non-deskbound information worker.