Nokia kicks off #LumiaBizTrial, offering free Windows Phones for UK businesses to trial

Nokia today announced #LumiaBizTrial, a campaign offering businesses within the UK the opportunity to trial Lumia Windows Phones for free. Businesses that enter the programme will be provided with Nokia Lumia 925, Lumia 625 and Lumia 520 units to demonstrate how Nokia and Microsoft technologies can compliment other systems already utilised by employees. A "highly personalised service pack" will also accompany the devices to illustrate the benefits of using Lumia Windows Phones for business.

The majority of businesses operate in a Microsoft environment, which enables any Windows Phone OEM to tap into the market and offer compatible smartphones with tailored software for enhanced productivity. The #LumiaBizTrial campaign itself is part of Nokia's dedicated channel investment, which has resulted in a substantial increase in market share in the last quarter. These trials will be available for 30 days, offering employees ample time to get used to the Windows Phone OS and test features and apps.

This programme is perfect for businesses looking at new options for smartphones. We're used to seeing the usual BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) allowance established by enterprise, but the Nokia trial enables companies to kit out employees with a variety of Windows Phones, covering multiple price points. Some highlighted features in Windows Phone for business include SharePoint, Lync, SkyDrive, Outlook and Microsoft Office. Today's announcement also covers Nokia's increased B2B market share (12 percent, up from 5 percent) and how the company is looking to further invest in channel partners and programmes.

Lumia 520

It's interesting to see which handsets Nokia has selected for this programme. The Lumia 520 is the most affordable option available today, while the Lumia 625 opens up 4G capabilities and a larger display. The Lumia 925, a premium high-end Windows Phone, tops the list with its impressive camera, wireless charging and unique Lumia design.

Should you be looking at smartphone options and are working in a Microsoft environment, it wouldn't hurt to contact Nokia, grab a personalised service pack and trial the Lumia Windows Phones for free. For more information on the #LumiaBizTrial, head on over to the Nokia UK website.

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.