Microsoft & Nokia - The future of mobile productivity?

Earlier today at 11:00 - 11:30 EST, Microsoft Business Division President Stephen Elop and Nokia's Executive Vice President for Devices Kai Öistämö, announced in a teleconference their new collaboration. They go further to outline their common goals with regards to designing, developing and marketing mobile productivity solutions to the end user.

This is the first time that both companies have come together to work on an 'alliance' of this scope and nature. In the terms of the agreement, Microsoft and Nokia will come together to design, develop and market productivity solutions for the mobile professional. This will bring Microsoft's Office Mobile and Microsoft business communications, collaboration and device management software to Nokia's Symbian devices.

With focus on Nokia's E-Series of smart phones, Nokia's business-optimized series of phones, the solutions will be available on a range of Nokia devices, and will also be made available to businesses, carriers and individuals who may be interested. Microsoft and Nokia are taking their already robust knowledge in enterprise and customer experience to provide for the growing needs of the mobile professional.

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

So what does all of this exactly mean? In simple terms this announcement is a structure upon existing foundations Nokia has already laid, by optimizing access to e-mail and other personal information with Exchange ActiveSync. Next year, Nokia intends to start shipping Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile on its smart phones, 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-optimized versions of Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft OneNote

Enterprise instant messaging and presence, and optimized conferencing and collaboration experience with Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile

Mobile access to intranet and extranet portals built on Microsoft SharePoint Server

Enterprise device management with Microsoft System Center