Nokia and Microsoft Announce Global Alliance

Nokia and Microsoft have announced a new global alliance which will add significantly to the number of users and service-footprint for these companies' solutions.

The initial part of this agreement brings the next version of Office Communicator Mobile to Nokia's E-Series mobiles. Already compatible with Exchange services through the Mail for Exchange application, Office Communicator Mobile will enable E-Series devices to connect to intranet and extranet Share Point sites, and utilize the presence, conference calling, and VoIP functionality from the Office Communication Server application.

Future developments from this alliance include the bringing of Office Mobile to Nokia's devices. It was not made clear at the time of the announcement if this would be a native application, or web-based, following along the lines of the Office 2010, which will be a browser/web-based offering.

This Nokia-Microsoft alliance will eventually enable Nokia-Microsoft to serve Office and enterprise solutions to an installed base of over 200 million smartphone owners. And with Share Point picking up steam as one of Microsoft's fastest growing licensed products, Nokia's devices will be well-positioned to compete with BlackBerries as the device of choice.

Current Nokia smartphone users can use the Exchange Active Sync ability by downloading the Mail for Exchange or Nokia Email applications from the Ovi Store.

For more information about the Nokia-Microsoft alliance, read the press release.