Microsoft has teamed up with Nokia to provide smartphone users with Office software.

Microsoft is to provide Nokia smartphones with software as part of a global alliance between the two companies, aimed at taking on market leader Blackberry.

The collaboration, which will commence immediately, means that Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel will be available on Nokia handsets.

Stephen Elop, Microsoft Business Division President, said: “With more than 200 million smartphone customers globally, Nokia is the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer and a natural partner for us.

“The announcement will enable us to expand Microsoft Office Mobile to Nokia smartphone owners worldwide and allow them to collaborate on Office documents from anywhere, as part of our strategy to provide the best productivity experience across the PC, phone and browser.”

Microsoft and Nokia will also work together to develop new and innovative services for customers.

The Microsoft solutions will be implemented next year, starting with the Nokia Eseries.