Microsoft, Nokia expected to bring Office to Nokia devices

Microsoft and handset giant Nokia are expected to announce a partnership today that will bring Microsoft's Office software onto Nokia mobile devices, according to CNET News.

Microsoft is attempting to extend the next version of Office beyond the PC and onto the web and mobile devices. Microsoft already has demonstrated the ability for Office 2010 documents to be displayed on a number of mobile phones, but so far, the only devices using native version of Office have been those based on Microsoft Windows Mobile software.

Microsoft also has indicated that the next version of Office will include a browser-based version of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote, and said those program will have the capability to run inside Safari and Firefox, as well as Microsoft's Internet Explorer. The net: For the first time, Office will run on Linux-based machines. The final version of Office 2010 is due next year.

Nokia and Microsoft, though rivals, already work together in some areas. Nokia has a license allowing its devices to connect to Exchange Servers using Microsoft's ActiveSync protocol. This recent deal is seen as a way for Microsoft to compete in a tough mobile OS environment though some see the move as eroding Microsoft's advantage with Windows Mobile because the OS has direct compatibility with Office.

A press conference is scheduled for this morning. We'll keep you posted.

For more:
- check out this CNET News article

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