Nokia pushes Microsoft through phones

Mobile phone giant collaborates with Microsoft.

Nokia and Microsoft have joined to bring Microsoft Office Mobile and Microsoft business communications, collaboration and device management software to Nokia's Symbian devices.

The products will be available for a broad range of Nokia smartphones starting with the company's business-optimised range, Nokia Eseries.

The two companies will also market products to businesses, carriers and individuals.

A Microsoft spokesperson told CRN, Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile extends the reach of Office Communications Server 2007 to information workers.

"This deal really isn't about the operating system. Nokia is a natural partner for us as [one of] the largest smartphone manufacturers,"said Micrososft.

"The intent of this alliance is to offer, over time, a similar experience across Windows phones and Nokia smartphones for Office Mobile in to offer productivity experience across the PC, phone and browser.

The spokesperson said next year, Nokia intends to start shipping Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile on its smartphones.

This will be followed by other Office applications and related software and services in the future.

These will include, the ability to view, edit, create and share Office documents on more devices in more places with mobile-optimised versions of Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft OneNote.

Also enterprise instant messaging and presence and optimised conferencing and collaboration experience with Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile will also be available on devices.