HP and Google Make an Odd Couple

Google just gained a big-name ally for its Google Apps productivity tools. Troubled computing giant Hewlett-Packard joined the Google Apps Reseller program and will marry Google's cloud-based productivity tools to its own printers and PC systems in a turnkey product called HP SMB IT In a Box.

Besides being a tongue-twisting mouthful of letters, this product gives HP a unique selling point that sets it apart from rivals such as IBM . The move also legitimizes the Google tools in a big way by attaching the HP household name to a fairly low-key Google product. This announcement can't sit well with Microsoft , which is used to ruling with impunity the market for office suites.

In the video below, Fool contributor Anders Bylund explains why this is a good long-term move for HP, and how it gives Google a springboard to new market horizons. Keep an eye on HP's Google-flavored adventures by adding the ticker to your Foolish watchlist -- just click here to get started.

The massive wave of mobile computing has done much to unseat the major players in the PC market, including venerable technology names like Hewlett-Packard. However, HP's rapidly shifting its strategy under the new leadership of CEO Meg Whitman. But does this make HP one of the least-appreciated turnaround stories on the market, or is this a minor blip on its road to irrelevance? The Motley Fool's technology analyst details exactly what investors need to know about HP in our new premium research report. Just click here now to get your copy today.

The article HP and Google Make an Odd Couple originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Anders Bylund owns shares of Google, but he holds no other position in any company mentioned. Check out Anders' bio and holdings or follow him on Twitter and Google+.The Motley Fool recommends Google and owns shares of Google, IBM, and Microsoft. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.