The new device, which has been dubbed the Enterprise Edition Zaurus, will pair Sharp hardware with IBM software, and will be targeted at mobile workers who need wireless access to business applications such as e-mail, calendars and databases.

According to IBM, the partnership with Sharp is part of its pervasive computing initiative to offer end-to-end solutions for enterprises and mobile workers across different platforms.

"In the enterprise arena, customers are looking for a total solution -- device and device software -- to be integrated into their environment," said Nigel Beck, the director of marketing for IBM's Pervasive Computing division. "IBM and Sharp will jointly approach customers with a solution that is tailored to their enterprise."

Beck said that the new Zaurus will include IBM's WebSphere Everyplace Access, which provides connectivity to corporate data systems, and WebSphere Everyplace Connection Manager, which creates VPN connections and maintains them even when mobile workers roam onto different networks.