IBM says it has figured out how to bring Web 2.0 applications, as well as desktop computing, to mobile phones.

New software called the IBM Lotus Expeditor 6.1.2 makes it possible to run several desktop-style applications simultaneously on various phones, IBM says. Its pitching the software for both consumers and businesses.

The new version of Lotus Expeditor uses an open-source Eclipse client which allows applications to be created that will span both the desktop and mobile devices, IBM says. The announcement talked about enabling social networking on phones for Facebook or MySpace, as well as blogs and communities using a business service like IBM's Lotus Connections.

A beta version of the software is being used by Sprint so that developers can move business applications during Eclipse from the desktop to most Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 smartphones. The beta version, which Sprint calls Titan, is available through the carrier's developer website, http://developer.sprint.com.

IBM has been demonstrating the software in a mobile solution for insurance adjusters, allowing them to use instant messaging and image sharing directly with auto repair shops while working with their customers.