Microsoft Office Mobile heading for Nokia Symbian phones

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 13 August 2009 07:08

Your IT - Mobility

Microsoft and Nokia have formed an alliance to bring Office Mobile and other Microsoft applications to Nokia's Symbian-based devices.

The first fruit of the new alliance between Microsoft and Nokia will be the delivery of Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile on Nokia smartphones, most likely the E Series.

This will be followed by mobile-optimised versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote; the optimisation of conferencing and collaboration in Office Communicator Mobile; SharePoint Server access; and device management via System Center.

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

"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," he added.

Nokia's Executive Vice President for Devices Kai Öistämö said "If you are going to provide a seamless and integrated productivity experience on a mobile device, Microsoft is an ideal partner.

"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."