Either Steve Jobs likes it or not, Apple's roads lead to Microsoft. Even though the two companies are perceived as being at the opposite side of the spectrum due to the Mac OS X and Windows face-off, the fact of the matter is that Apple and Microsoft are nothing short of complementary. Sure enough, there are areas where competition cannot be denied, such as the business of operating systems or that of digital media players.

And yet, slowly, Apple is embracing Microsoft software solutions with its hardware products. It is the case of Windows XP and Windows Vista being able to install and run on Mac computers via Boot Camp, and it is the case of the iPhone and Exchange Server.

"We're happy that Apple is adding the iPhone to the growing number of mobile devices that connect with Exchange Server. As part of a business agreement with Microsoft, Apple will build Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync into the iPhone - making it possible for iPhone owners to access Exchange and take advantage of its secure mobile communications features," revealed Terry Myerson, corporate vice president for Exchange.

As far as Microsoft is concerned, Apple is just the latest addition to the list of partners that have already licensed Exchange ActiveSync in order to benefit from what Exchange Server 2007 has to offer mobile devices. Along with devices from Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Sony Ericsson and Symbian, Apple's iPhone will be able from now on to offer users the ability to synchronize email, tasks, contacts and even calendars with Exchange Server.

"We continue to compete with Apple in the computer arena and media player business. When it comes to mobile phones, Windows Mobile still delivers the premier mobile e-mail experience for Microsoft Exchange Server, by delivering the Outlook experience on a mobile phone and with the most complete support for Exchange's many enterprise device management policies. But, we also partner with many mobile device makers - including Apple - and believe that by making Exchange an open platform, our customers and partners, ultimately, will be the beneficiaries," Myerson added.