Well it looks like Microsoft has opted to go “all in”. The move totally reshapes the mobile industry and Microsoft’s future. By adding consumer hardware to it’s portfolio Microsoft now gains the expertise of Nokia long standing know-how in the industry. In addition Microsoft also adds in Nokia’s assets, giving them additional ammunition in the patent area. It will be interesting to see what direction existing products such as the Surface Pro and Surface RT take. With the purchase of Nokia it more than likely means that BlackBerry is off the table for Microsoft. I doubt that Microsoft will end up purchasing any of BlackBerry’s assets or seek a partnership. It will be interesting to see how both companies will transition and merge; as they find synergies between the two companies. Will this move push Samsung to rapidly expand Tizen? Will Google place Motorola in a more prominent role? How will this hurt BlackBerry, if at all? Is this a great opportunity for Microsoft to change it’s standing in the industry?
