Cisco Systems, the network equipment maker and computer services company, IBM have decided to merge technical support services for mutual customers.

Under this agreement, customers of both companies in 46 countries, including Australia, China, Germany and UK, will have access to common IT support centres that will respond to queries and maintenance requests for both Cisco and IBM products.

"Customers won't have to choose between going to IBM or Cisco for IT support," said Robert Kritzer, vice president, IBM Global Services.

Off late, Cisco has been expanding its base to a broader range of equipment and software and has stepped up its alliance with IBM.

Recently, Cisco and IBM also came together to deliver a new platform for unified communications and collaboration client development.