Strategic alliances are distinguished from joint ventures because the companies involved do not take an equity position in one another.
Strategic alliance is a partnership between two or more firms that is developed to achieve a specific goal. In many instances, strategic alliances are partnerships that exist for a defined period during which partners contribute their skills and expertise to a cooperative project.
Alliances with suppliers, partners, contractors, and other providers that allow partners in the alliance to focus on what they do best, farm out everything else, and quickly provide value to the customer.