Microsoft Launches Communicator Mobile on Nokia Smartphones

Microsoft (MSFT) launched its Communicator Mobile smartphone application Wednesday with Nokia (NOK), marking the entrance of yet another player into the emerging mobile unified-communications market.

This market, which already includes wireless products firm DiVitas Networks and cellular Agito Networks, aims to inform callers if a person is available and what the best means to reach the person is, via IM, email, text or phone call.

The technology has been around on computers for years, but it's migrating onto smartphones as they become the new computer for mobile consumers and business workers. For Microsoft, the Communicator Mobile application further builds out its smartphone offerings, which include a serious revamp of its mobile phone operating system software, called Windows Phone 7 Series, and its anticipated entry next week into the device market with its own smartphone offering.

Microsoft, which struck its alliance with Nokia in August, is making its Communicator Mobile application available for download on Nokia E72 and Nokia E52 models.

Samsung Got There First

"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," Ukko Lappalainen, Nokia vice president, said in a statement. "It also meets all of the requirements for enterprise: cost effective to implement, secure, familiar and reliable."

Samsung, which in October announced it was teaming up with DiVitas and Agito to offer mobile unified communications on its Windows-based phones via Wi-Fi and cellular networks, beat Nokia to the punch in jumping into the unified-communications market.

Other smartphone industry standouts that have signed up with DiVitas include Research in Motion's (RIMM) BlackBerry, Google's (GOOG) Android and Apple's (AAPL) iPhone. Google, in particular, is Microsoft's archrival and one the software maker would undoubtedly like to neutralize in the high-stakes game of grabbing the most market share in mobile operating systems.

"Our alliance with Nokia aims to bring the Office productivity experience to the millions of people using Nokia smartphones around the world," Kirt Debique, Microsoft general manager, said in a statement. "With the arrival of Communicator Mobile for Nokia today, we have a great start to fulfilling our joint vision."