Microsoft Corp. Senior Vice President of the Mobile Communications Business Pieter Knook issued the following statement today in support of the Any Apps, Any Device option announced by Verizon Wireless:

“Microsoft is very excited to see Verizon Wireless make such a bold move to satisfy the demands of wireless consumers. As people’s mobile needs become more sophisticated and varied, they will require smarter and more adaptable mobile devices. We are proud to support any open access that puts more power in people’s hands to connect them to the information they want when and where they want it.”

Microsoft has spent five years focusing on building software and services for mobile phones. The company’s Windows Mobile software is available today in more than 140 phone designs created by more than 48 device manufacturers worldwide, and Windows Mobile supports more than 18,000 applications. Microsoft issued more than 11 million Windows Mobile licenses last year and predicts issuing more than 20 million this current fiscal year. Microsoft also makes Windows Live, Live Search and MSN experiences available for mobile devices and has more than 70 development partners that can adapt Windows Live services for mobile phones.