Microsoft Is Also Interested In Making Applications For Apple's iPhone

Earlier this month, Apple said it was licensing Microsoft's ActiveSync so that the iPhone can seamlessly work with Microsoft Exchange. The same day, Apple announced the iPhone and iPod Touch SDK, which would enable third-party developers to build applications for the popular device. Although in a less obvious way, that too, represents an opportunity for Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT). Fortune reported today that the technology giant is eagerly looking for applications to make money off the iPhone.

"It's really important for us to understand what we can bring to the iPhone," said Tom Gibbons, corporate VP of Microsoft's Specialized Devices and Applications Group. Gibbons said it was too early to say what applications they may build, however, Microsoft is in a great position. Its Mac business unit, based in Mountain View, Calif., is one of the largest groups of Mac developers outside of Apple (NSDQ: AAPL). In addition, other Microsoft divisions may also be interested, such as Microsoft's voice recognition unit TellMe.