Microsoft, HP get tighter

Microsoft (MSFT) may be hoping that a little of Hewlett-Packard's (HWP) enterprise expertise rubs off on the software giant.

In less than two weeks, the two industry titans and their CEOs will convene to announce enhancements to their ongoing partnership that will tie HP's service and support proficiencies to Microsoft products.

The deal will increase integration between HP's OpenView network management platform and Microsoft's Systems Management Server and Windows NT operating system, according to sources.

HP is in a good position to expand its relationship with Microsoft after purchasing Symantec's desktop management tools last month, a move that filled a key void in its network strategy. Microsoft is looking to enhance its position as a true enterprise provider of software because of the popularity of its Windows NT Server operating system.

The move comes two months after HP allied itself with Cisco Systems to offer integrated networking hardware and software solutions for customers who want to take advantage of Internet and intranet technologies. Cisco's internetworking operating system is already scheduled to be bundled with HP's Unix and Windows NT-based server systems.