Microsoft and Samsung announced a deal on Thursday to share patented technologies related to hardware and software products, including Linux. The US software giant and the South Korea-based electronics titan have a "broad patent cross-licensing agreement" that they say will accelerate development of new products at both companies.

"Patent collaboration agreements like this expand access to ideas and lead to even more desirable products," said Samsung senior vice president Shung-Hyun Cho.

Under the terms of the deal, Samsung will get Microsoft technology that can be used for such products as computers, digital media players, camcorders, televisions, printers, home appliances and television set-top-boxes. Samsung will also obtain coverage from Microsoft for its customers' use of certain Linux-based products.

Microsoft will gain access to Samsung?s patent portfolio relating to digital media and computer devices.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed but both parties will be paid for use of proprietary technology.

"We are always looking for new opportunities to work collaboratively within the industry and Samsung was a natural fit," said Microsoft vice president Horacio Gutierrez.

"Companies that collaborate are in the best position to deliver the products and service that their customers demand."

In the past 12 months, Microsoft has announced similar agreements with companies such as Novell, NEC, Fuji-Xerox, Seiko-Epson and Nortel.