Microsoft and Nokia tie up to launch Communicator

Microsoft and Nokia launched the first application from their alliance around mobile productivity, Microsoft Communicator Mobile for Nokia devices. It connects directly with a company's communications systems to streamline mobile collaboration. Owners of a number of Symbian based Nokia Eseries smartphones can download the English version from Nokia's Ovi Store.

"Our alliance with Nokia aims to bring the Office productivity experience to the millions of people using Nokia smartphones around the world," says Kirt Debique, General Manager at Microsoft. Communicator Mobile enables people to see their colleagues' availability, and click to communicate with them using the best method, from IM to email, text to phone call. The names and status of colleagues are embedded directly into the devices' contacts application, enabling people to update their own presence, start and join instant messaging sessions, and begin calls directly from the contact card.

"This application really provides a much more efficient way to work with others as you can see if someone is busy or available, and the best way to start a conversation with them," says Ukko Lappalainen, Vice President at Nokia.

The product is the first coming out of the alliance of Microsoft and Nokia. "Having these two companies work together is really helping us serve the needs of our customers.", says Roger Wuthrich-Hasenbohler, Executive Vice President at Swisscom / Webcall.

The new application is initially available only for Nokia E72 and Nokia E52. However, the companies plan to deliver Communicator Mobile for Nokia pre-installed on select Nokia smartphones in the future and plan to support additional devices, including the recently announced Nokia E5.