Nokia has released Mail for Exchange for its Asha Touch devices. The free app can be downloaded from the Nokia Ovi Store. According to a post on the Nokia Conversations blog, Nokia Asha 308, Asha 309, Asha 310 and Asha 311 are compatible with the application. However, according to the information given on the app page, Asha 300, Asha 302 and Asha 303 are also supported. Though it’s worth pointing out that to run the app the 302 & 303 require a specific firmware (firmware 14.53) which might not be available in all regions.

The application uses Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync protocol, which allows push email, calendar and contact data synchronisation between compatible office email servers and phone. Asha devices already support Gmail and Windows Live email programs and with the Windows Exchange in place, the range now supports all major email services.

Along the launch of the app, Nokia also talked about other requirements of making the Asha series phones work-ready such as integrating the Microsoft Office Suite. Though the Microsoft Office won’t be appearing on the Asha range anytime soon, similar applications that solve the purpose are available. Nokia talked about two such applications Editori Text and Editori Sheet that can be used as alternatives to Microsoft Word and Excel for creating, editing and viewing documents.

Recently, the Nokia Asha 501 was also announced globally with a $99 price tag. The smart feature phone with its new Asha OS is specifically targeted for emerging margets.

It is quite apparent that Nokia is emphasizing on bringing a better business experience to the Asha range. Significant applications and support that were earlier missing have finally been roped in. The range that starts at around Rs. 5,000 is facing tough competition from the Android budget segment which offers more features and services. The Asha devices that offer social networking and Internet features are now according to Nokia, ‘great devices for work too’.