With the recent announcement of the synergy between Microsoft and Nokia, it created a whirlwind of discussions in the tech scene. I will add some of mine here.
The irony is Microsoft and Nokia used to be the king of the hill in the mobile scene not so long ago and how things have change against them with the eruption of iPhones and Androids into the market. There was a time when many devices runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile and by today many has defected to the Android camp. Clearly as a software company, Microsoft needs a hardware partner in order for them to market their Window Phone 7 and at the same time, Nokia being a hardware oriented company, clearly understand that their Symbian OS is no longer able to compete with new generation “Touch Screen” based mobile OSes. Both understood that if they still stick to the status quo, they can no longer survive in the long term. A partnership is perhaps the wisest choice.
Some interesting note is that the current CEO of Nokia, Stephen Elop was Microsoft’s Head of Business Division prior joining Nokia in September, 2010 and within a few months he has managed to moved Nokia into Microsoft’s camp. Coincidence? Perhaps it is or perhaps not, but we can conclude that they truly need each other in order to survive and compete with iPhone and Androids. One of the best title on this and creatively put was “Nokia “Elope’d” with Microsoft”
Would this strategy backfire? Time will tell but currently there are more negative feedbacks than there are positive ones judging from the comment made on Nokia’s blog. And Nokia’s shareholder might not be too happy knowing that their newly hired CEO sold out their company to his former boss.
And for you geeks out there, here is your final treat.