Microsoft and Nokia confirm partnership: ‘A formidable challenge for RIM’

August 12, 2009 | Anthony Ha | Comments | |

microsoft-nokiaMicrosoft and Nokia announced today that, as expected, they will be working together to bring native versions of Microsoft Office to Nokia smartphones. But this is about more than just creating a version of Office for Nokia — the companies say they are working together on the “design, development and marketing of productivity solutions for the mobile professional.”

In a conference call discussing the news, Microsoft’s Stephen Elop (pictured, right) said this is the first time the software giant has developed rich mobile applications for platform other than its Windows Mobile operating system. Over time, the companies plan to release applications for Nokia phones (using the Symbian operating system) that 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

After hearing rumors about the deal, I wrote that the move would make sense for Microsoft as a way to get Office onto more smartphones. I also speculated that that a deal with Nokia could be followed by similar deals with other mobile companies, such as BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion. But Nokia and Microsoft are pitching this as a unique alliance, and a way for them to compete with other mobile platforms. Of course, Nokia is the easiest target for Microsoft. Edging on to the popular smartphone platforms managed by Google (Android) and Apple (iPhone) will prove a lot tougher, given the tensions between Microsoft and these two companies. But even then, don’t count out such a move.

“This is about creating a formidable challenge for RIM, more than anyone else,” said Kai Öistämö, executive vice president for Nokia Devices (pictured, left).

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About the Author, Anthony Ha

Anthony is VentureBeat's assistant editor, as well as its reporter on enterprise technology, cloud computing, and tech policy. Before joining VentureBeat in 2008, Anthony worked at the Hollister Free Lance, where he won awards from the California Newspaper Publishers Association for breaking news coverage and writing. He attended Stanford University and now lives in San Francisco. Reach him at anthony@venturebeat.com. You can also follow Anthony on Twitter.

  • Steve
    With all respect, until Nokia figures out how to make a decent Smartphone (hardware & operating system), this will just be another announcement with no market impact. I have an E71 and a Blackberry Curve. The E71 is an absolutely atrocious device for email (because of hardware issues like a keyboard with no space between keys and a QWERTY keyboard that has the bottom row of keys shifted to the left by 1 key) -- and the operating system is so clunky as to be unusable. It's feels nicer than a BB b/c of the nice metal casing, and b/c it's thinner. But, it's really a pathetic device. The N97, Nokia's newest flagship device, is even worse. I have yet to meet a single person who thinks the N97 is anything but a joke.

    Nokia is dying a very long, protracted death...
  • Boz
    You hate the E71, I love the E71, it does everything I ask and more. I love the keyboard, I love the performance, the Activesync works perfectly with our Exchange server. Tethering to my laptop is ridiculously easy and performance is great. It browses the web quickly and efficiently using Opera Mini and I have no trouble finding apps that improve my productivity. It doesn't crash, battery life is excellent fro a smartphone comfortably giving me two full days when I need it and three if I'm really stretched. My previous HTC phone was a disaster, I can't type anything on the iPhone nor can I tether, oh, and one final thing, it works really well as a phone, something that most people seem to forget about nowadays, RIM especially, I've never had a BB that worked well as a mobile speaking device...
  • John
    I have to believe that Steve works for a competitor of Nokia. There is NO WAY that anyone who has used this phone can say that the "hardware" is atrocious. This is one of the best pieces of technology out there. The size of the keyboard is deceptive. Small but not cramped (when actually used) and excellent for typing. "Pathetic" device? This person is being ingenuous. I do agree that the Symbian OS is past its prime and in need of revamping. Too many clicks necessary for simple navigation. The Nokia E series are quality phones in need of software that Microsoft can provide. The Nokia E series are stable. Best phones I have ever owned. Unfortunately, I can say the same about Nokia's support in the U.S.A. which is virtually non-existent. Besides its nice to carry a phone that doesn't feel and look like a toy.
  • engagoteam
    Nokia has 47% of the smartphone market according to the latest Gartner report.
    Microsoft has market leadership in office applications.
    Thus what's your point ?
  • k2seo
    Does it is really going to challenge RIM?
  • MS brings Office to Nokia Symbian. Another dagger in the heart of Windows Mobile.