Opera and Motorola are readying joint products for mobile phone browsers that accommodate both HTML browser and Wireless Applications Protocol (WAP) software.

The companies started working together about four months ago to fashion an offering that would appeal to mobile carriers that want to add revenue-generating HTML-based functionality without overhauling their existing WAP infrastructure.

The joint offering combines Opera's HTML browser with the WAP software stack from Motorola's Global Software Group.

In addition to improved technical functionality, the deal should widen the companies' reach.

"We have signed a cross-licencing deal where both companies can distribute he products," Lars Boileson, an Opera executive vice president, told internetnews.com.

The joint offering is being demostrated at upcoming mobile industry trade shows. Both companies said they hope to make some customer announcements in the upcoming months.

Financial terms of the arrangement between the Oslo, Norway, and Schaumburg, Ill., companies were not disclosed.