Washington, Aug 12 (DPA) The world's largest software maker Microsoft and the biggest mobile phone maker Nokia Wednesday announced a partnership that will enable Microsoft Office to run on Nokia phones.

The deal could be expanded in future to other software products. Bringing Microsoft Office to phones would only 'start to scratch the surface', said Kai Oistamo, executive vice president for Nokia Devices.

Last month, US firm Microsoft unveiled new details of its Office 2010 productivity tools, which will feature a free online programme to counter similar programmes already available from Google and other competitors. The final version of Office 2010 is due next year.

Stephen Elop, president of Microsoft's business division, said the agreement represented 'an important milestone' for both companies that could bring more software technology to the mobile phone industry.