Avanade and Microsoft have announced a new partnership that will focus on the development and deployment of enterprise solutions and services specifically for Windows Phone. As part of the agreement, Microsoft will collaborate with Avanade to develop business applications and solutions to enhance business productivity and drive adoption of the Windows Phone platform. The two companies will also work with Accenture Mobility Services to develop new mobile enterprise solutions.

 

As an additional investment, Avanade is building “Windows Phone Centers of Excellence” in the United States, Europe, China and India to foster innovations that address the specific needs of enterprises, mobile operators and original equipment manufacturers. Avanade intends to bring together a dedicated workforce of specialists to build and deliver enterprise offerings and specific business applications for the Windows Phone platform. Avanade will enable unique business productivity functionality by integrating Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Lync into the mobile platform.

 

As well, Avanade will develop applications for the Windows Phone Marketplace.

 

It is very interesting to note that the Windows Phone Centers of Excellence will be created not only in the United States, but also in Europe, China and India – all global regions where Nokia continues to maintain solid market strength. Coupling the centers of excellence with Windows Phone development will give Nokia a very interesting boost relative to its newly announced Lumia Windows Phone-based smartphones.