Nokia adds Microsoft ActiveSync to smartphones

Nokia signed a deal with Microsoft today that will see corporate email access available on over 80 million Nokia handsets.

Forty three of Nokia’s mobile devices with up-to-date S60 software will now be able to access Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync email, a service popular with corporations in the US around the world.

ActiveSync allows users to check their work email direct from their mobile handset, load contact files onto the phone, assign an out of the office message, and set email priorities.

New handsets in Nokia’s N-series and E-series will come pre-loaded with ActiveSync.

Smartphones with ActiveSync email access will not be subsidised by mobile operators, and will retail for between $450 and $950.

Nokia is the top performing handset maker in the world, selling more low-cost handsets and smartphones than any other manufacturer.

However, the Finland-based company has struggled with its smartphones in the US, where Research in Motion’s Blackberry handsets – which are already able to access ActiveSync email – dominate the market.

David Petts, senior vice president of mobility at Nokia, said the deal with Microsoft adds value to the company’s handsets.

He added that the company hopes ActiveSync will help attract business users in the US market.