Could Nokia and Windows Phone's partnership be the reincarnation of IBM and Windows' partnership?

[pyroscott]

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 19 January 2012

 

 

Most of us know the story of Microsoft Windows vs. Apple Computers from their inception in the mid 70's until today. Microsoft decided the best way to success was licensing the software to other manufacturers but maintain control of the software code, where Apple decided to control both the hardware and the software for their computer operating system. Sound familiar? Microsoft found huge success with IBM and "IBM compatible" computers. Both Apple and Microsoft's operating systems provided a consumer friendly interface, the main difference was that Microsoft Windows was available on computers at all price points and varying levels of performance, where Apple offered quality, well-built machines at a premium price.

 

No matter which you prefer, it's hard to ignore that Microsoft is perched atop a mountain of cash (Apple isn't in the poor house either though.) Microsoft has an uphill battle against Apple's market saturation, but with Nokia in their corner building the flagship phones and other manufacturers building varying price points. Maybe they will even throw in some gaming phones, phones geared towards business, advanced audio phones or whatever entices another part of the market.

 

If the Windows Phone OS takes off, it could be thanks to their partnership with Nokia, and Nokia may soon be as synchronous with Windows OS as IBM was with Microsoft.

[S4GRU]

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 19 January 2012

 

 

True dat. But I would have to think that Microsoft will stay true to its roots and keep their platform open to any manufacturer. Nokia will likely never be a sole Windows Phone provider. But if they play their cards right, they could be the most successful WP manufacturer and the dominant player. I could see Nokia with as high as a 75 percent market share of WP.

 

I wasn't sure about Nokia dumping its own OS and jumping in with Microsoft a year ago. It seemed like too little too late. However, I'm starting to change my mind.

 

However, I'm still very negative about RIM. Their new Blackberry London is a beautiful piece of machinery. But it needed to be out 6 months ago. I'm afraid RIM is starting to circle the drain. Their executives look like this guy ---->

[pyroscott]

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 19 January 2012

 

The more I read about Windows Phone and Nokia, the more I think that their partnership will be very successful.

 

I definitely agree, I think RIM is headed right out of the market. You barely hear anything about them anymore except to say that they are losing their market share on smartphones.

[legion125]

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 19 January 2012

 

I'm now convinced If WP is going to be successful it will be because of the partnership b/twn Nokia and MS. This will be the catalyst along with lots and lots of $ to keep it in the public view. It appears there was a pent up demand for Nokia in the U.S., and MS was shrewd enough to get on board. I can only imagine if Nokia used Android or if it had bought webOS what the results would have been.

I agree with both of you on RIM. WP will be the #3 OS in another couple of years. In the toilet bowl of life, RIM is floating in the bowl and the plunger has been pressed. We're just waiting for the flushing cycle to commence. Too bad.

[legion125]

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 26 January 2012

 

Although Nokia is still taking hits financially, it looks like WP is gaining traction because of Nokia and looks like it could be a match made in heaven. Get a payout from MS doesn't hurt either.

 

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nokia-releases-q4-2011-earnings-report-operating-profits-drop/

[pyroscott]

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 26 January 2012

 

I saw somewhere that Microsoft paid $250 million to start this partnership. While WP sales seem to be climbing, I think Nokia would be smart to keep the prices low to gain a foothold in the market, even if it cuts into their profit margin. Microsoft may have to supplement the profits to help their OS catch on.