Dell forms alliance with Spanish telecom giant

Dell partners with Spanish firm Telefónica

Dell Inc. and Telefónica, a Spanish telecom giant, announced a strategic alliance to develop advanced mobile products.

No products or timetables were disclosed, but both companies said they are eager to work together.

Dell, the world's third-largest PC maker, has announced plans to launch a family of wireless mobile products that include its Aero smart phone, which is soon to be launched in the U.S. by AT&T Inc.

Other products, including a 5-inch tablet computer, are thought to be in the works. Telefónica is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, with operations in Europe and Latin America.

"The demand for pervasive instant-on, Web-connected devices is everywhere," said Ron Garriques, president of Dell's Communications Solutions Group.

"The new digital ecosystem under construction creates huge opportunities and advantages for all industries ... in terms of new applications and new business opportunities," said Vivek Dev, Telefónica's director of innovation.

The companies said the alliance will focus on present-generation mobile devices, early development of future-generation devices and enhancing the customer experience while driving information communications technologies to market.