Google and HP team up on cloud printing

Google and HP have announced a partnership that will see compatibility between ePrint-equipped printers and Google's Cloud Print services, extending the range of both companies' remote printing plans.

HP's ePrint system, which the company is building into most current and future printers, gives each device a unique email to receive items to print. Google's Cloud Print service performs a similar function for its Google Docs and Gmail platforms, as well as for Chrome browsers and smartphones.

"Users are rapidly migrating to web and mobile apps, and Google Cloud Print brings full-featured printing capabilities to these apps," said Mike Jazayeri, director of product management at Google.

"We are excited that HP has brought the first generation of cloud-ready printers to market. While cloud printing is possible with any printer that is connected to a PC, users can achieve a more streamlined, intuitive experience by printing directly to a cloud-ready printer."

The move will give Google's growing Apps platform access to the world's largest printer manufacturer and boost the cloud service's credibility in the business sphere. HP will gain an important partner in the cloud ecosystem it is hoping to build and improved leverage with Google's customers.