ST Liew, Acer Smart Products Business Group said that Acer was pleased to partner with Microsoft to provide enhanced mobile productivity to its products.

"By integrating the Microsoft software suite, Acer customers will enjoy productivity on-the-go along with the familiar computing experience on their smartphones and tablets,” he said.

These productivity apps include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive, and Skype.

Microsoft’s President of Technology Licensing Nick Psyhogeos said: 

“We’re pleased that we have been able to enhance the already strong partnership that exists between Microsoft and Acer. Mutually beneficial and collaborative agreements such as this one promote innovation and lead to better products and experiences for consumers.”

Microsoft has done similar deals with other OEMs and companies in the past. For example just last year and teamed up with Cyanogen and Samsung to bundle their apps with their products.

However it does seem to be a case of "if you can't beat  'em, join 'em" as the move keeps Microsoft in the mobile game even if it is not on its own operating system.