Microsoft confirms Nokia deal

Nokia users will be able to access Office applications on the go

Microsoft has confirmed it has entered into an alliance with Nokia to bring Office Mobile software to mobile devices next year.

The software will first be available to Nokia Eseries phones and then to a wider range of Nokia’s Symbian devices.

Stephen Elop, president of Microsoft's business division, said: “With more than 200 million smartphone customers globally, Nokia is the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer and a natural partner for us.

“Today’s announcement will enable us to expand Microsoft Office Mobile to Nokia smartphone owners worldwide and allow them to collaborate on Office documents from anywhere, as part of our strategy to provide the best productivity experience across the PC, phone and browser."

Next year, Nokia said it intends to start shipping Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile on its smartphones, followed by other Office applications and related software and services, such as enterprise instant messaging and presence.

Nokia also said it plans to roll out Microsoft’s collaboration software, Office Communicator Mobile, to its Symbian range, as well as offer customers mobile access to intranet and extranet portals built on Microsoft SharePoint Server.

Nokia’s executive vice president for devices Kai Öistämö, said “Together with Microsoft, we will develop new and innovative user experiences for employees of small and large businesses alike, ensuring Nokia’s smartphones are an integral part of the office and home-office environment, and addressing the significant opportunity in mobile enterprise productivity.”