IBM, Apple Team on E-Mail for iPhone

IBM and Apple Computer are collaborating more closely on the software front with news that Big Blue will make its Lotus Notes e-mail application available on iPhone and iPod Touch devices.The partnership could position Apple's devices more competitively with RIM?s BlackBerry and other business-targeted smart phones, reports the Associated Press.

IBM and Apple "have a lot in common," said IBM spokesman Mike Azzi said. "We're going to cross-pollinate."

Lotus Notes, which requires use of IBM's Domino e-mail server program, will be free for users who already have a Lotus Web-access license. The software start at $39 per year for new users.

A formal announcement is expected to come next week at IBM?s Lotusphere conference.Associated Press