Nokia is hoping that a mobile partnership with industry heavyweight Microsoft will help the company regain its once prominent ranking in the hyper-competitive market.
Nevertheless, it is far from clear if Windows Phone 7 – which has yet to seriously challenge either Android or iOS – will be capable of placing Nokia in the front lines of a fast-paced mobile war.
Indeed, as ABI Research senior analyst Michael Morgan notes, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop’s decision to go with his old employer certainly “makes sense” up front.
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“However, the decision to tie an incomplete operating system with an ailing handset design company is a very risky proposition,” Morgan explained.
“[Yes], Microsoft and Nokia need a strong partner to push their mobile efforts forward. While this alliance may not be optimal for either party, when fighting for survival it is always nice to have a partner.”
Meanwhile, ABI Research VP Kevin Burden predicted that the sweeping changes made at Nokia will begin immediately – taking two years to be “completely digested” as the two tech giants attempt to merge their mobile service ecosystems and product development roadmaps.
“With Nokia taking over the Windows Phone 7 universe, the other OEMs who have initially supported Window Phone 7 may rethink their commitment,” opined Burden.
“[They may] eventually end support of Windows Phone 7 the way they did with Symbian, due to Nokia’s dominance and influence over the platform.”