Microsoft Nokia alliance

Microsoft and Nokia on Tuesday announced a new alliance designed to expand reach of business software onto the Symbian mobile platform. Initial work will focus on integrating Microsoft's Office Mobile tools, business communications technology and device management software.

The business software is said to be on its way to a wide range of Nokia devices, beginning with the Eseries. Initial products will support Exchange ActiveSync and Office Cummunicator Mobile. The companies will then bring Office Mobile, SharePoint Server and System Center software.

Executives from both companies admitted that there would still be competition between certain divisions. When asked about the possibility of running Windows Mobile on Nokia phones, the handset maker's executive VP for devices, Kai Oistamo, claimed "there are no such plans."

Although the executives downplayed suggestions that the collaboration was designed to battle Apple, Nokia executive VP Robert Anderson claims it will give RIM "a run for their money," according to Reuters. "I don't think BlackBerry has seen the kind of competition we can provide them now," he added.

Users will be able to view, edit, create and share Office documents using mobile versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote. Office Communicator Mobile provides enterprise-oriented instant messaging services, while SharePoint Server enables access to intranet and extranet portals.

Nokia recently announced that Symbian is due for a major revision sometime late in 2010. The OS is said to be ready for a revamped user interface that will require developers to modify existing code.

By Electronista Staff