Nokia to add Microsoft e-mail function to phones

Nokia Oyj, the world’s largest maker of mobile phones, said it has added Microsoft Corp.'s e-mail system to as many as 80 million devices.

Microsoft's Mail For Exchange e-mail service will run on the third edition of Nokia's S60 operating software, currently used on 43 models, Espoo, Finland-based Nokia said in a statement today. The feature will also become available for all future versions of the E-Series corporate devices as well as Nokia's N-Series multimedia mobile phones, the company said.

“Microsoft Mail For Exchange is the world's most popular e-mail solution,” said Mark Louison, head of Nokia's North American operations, in an interview in San Francisco. “This is a great way for our users to unlock Mail For Exchange.”

Louison said the deal with Microsoft is an indication the company is implementing its strategy of growth in North America. Nokia is the fifth-biggest phone maker in the region, even after almost doubling its second-quarter market share from the previous three months, according to Strategy Analytics. He said the company's ambition is also to become the biggest seller of smartphones in the US, a market dominated by Research In Motion Ltd and Apple Inc.

Nokia will also provide its gaming and navigation services to Rogers Wireless Communications Inc, Canada's largest wireless operator, the Finnish company said in a separate release. The services will be initially available on Nokia's N95 8-gigabyte version.