Note the broad collaboration. It’s not just about licensing a mobile platform, but also services, and both ways. Hopefully they will also vastly improve on Microsoft’s mobile app store etc.
Open Letter from CEO Stephen Elop, Nokia and CEO Steve Ballmer, Microsoft – Nokia Conversations
I’m sure the fact that Stephen Elop, the new CEO of Nokia, comes from Microsoft has played some part in the choice of partner, or at least made the procedure more swift.
For Microsoft this partnership is very important, as without it they would probably have lost the mobile market entirely in the longer term, so hopefully it’s a win-win.
“Today, the battle is moving from one of mobile devices to one of mobile ecosystems, and our strengths here are complementary.”
Very true. Phone manufacturers and operators are not just selling phones any longer, but a whole user experience. Apple led the way. Android followed. Now Nokia needs to take back its market and dignity.