Companies pursue U.S. government IT market.
Thursday said they will collaborate in new business ventures targeting the federal information technology market. The companies said they will establish cross-functional business development and technology teams to focus their core competencies on existing and emerging opportunities, identify process improvements and exchange best practices. Microsoft and Lockheed will also co-develop new business proposals and will train and certify Lockheed Martin technical employees as Microsoft Certified System Engineers and Microsoft Certified Solution Developers. Lockheed s Systems Integration unit, which includes all of the U.S. military services and civil government agencies including the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Transportation and Treasury, will lead the relationship. In addition, the companies are also members of the Blue Team, which is competing for the Navy's next-generation land attack destroyer, DD 21, and are collaborating on development of new products and services to link mail processing and information technology.