Matsushita Communication Industrial, the Japanese manufacturer of Panasonic mobile handsets, and Nokia, have signed an agreement whereby Matsushita will license the Series 60 Platform from Nokia and integrate it into their Symbian OS-based multimedia phones.

Nokia said Series 60 is a comprehensive software platform for smart phones, created for mobile phone users that demand easy-to-use, one-hand operated handsets with high-quality color screens, rich communications and enhanced applications. Series 60 consists of the telephony and personal information management applications, browser and messaging clients, as well as a modifiable user interface.

According to the companies, the agreement demonstrates the ability of both companies to deliver on their commitment to interoperability and a common architecture between applications and mobile devices. Matsushita said Panasonic multimedia phones combined with Series 60 Platform will enable consumers and corporate users to enjoy the full range of mobile services based on open and global technologies. Additionally, the companies claim the uniform software design and programming interface will benefit developers through easy access to both the Nokia and Matsushita product platforms.