Ondrej Holzman There is no other news moving the technology world today than that Microsoft is buying Nokia's mobile division for 5,44 billion euros. This is Microsoft's attempt to unify its Windows Phone hardware and software. The Redmond-based company will also gain access to mapping services, Nokia patents and a license to chip technology from Qualcomm…
Stephen Elop (left) and Steve Ballmer
The big deal comes less than two weeks after his departure as Microsoft's chief executive announced Steve Ballmer. He is due to end within the next twelve months, when his successor is found.
Thanks to the acquisition of Nokia's mobile division, Microsoft will gain control over the Finnish brand's complete portfolio of smartphones, which means that in addition to the software (Windows Phone), it will now finally control the hardware, for example, following the example of Apple. The entire deal should close during the first quarter of 2014, when Nokia will collect 3,79 billion euros for the mobile division and 1,65 billion euros for its patents.
32 Nokia employees will also move to Redmond, including Stephen Elop, Nokia's current executive director. The one at Microsoft, where he had previously worked before coming to Nokia, will now lead the mobile division, however, there is lively speculation that he could be the one to replace Steve Ballmer in the role of head of the entire Microsoft. However, until the entire acquisition is sanctified, Elop will not return to Microsoft in any position.
The news about the entire acquisition came rather unexpectedly, however, from Microsoft's point of view, it is a relatively expected move. Microsoft reportedly tried to buy Nokia's mobile division a few months ago and sees its successful completion as an important step in the transformation of the entire company, when Microsoft is to become a company that produces its own devices and software.
So far, Microsoft has not been very successful in competing with the two big players in the smartphone field. Both Google with its Android and Apple with its iOS are still far ahead of Windows Phone. So far, this operating system has experienced greater success only in Nokia's Lumia, and Microsoft will want to build on this success. But whether he will succeed in building a stable and strong ecosystem, following Apple's example, offering integrated hardware and software, and whether the bet on Nokia is a good move, will be shown only in the coming months, maybe years.
An interesting fact is that after the transition of Nokia's mobile division under Microsoft's wings, a new Nokia smartphone will never see the light of day. Only the "Asha" and "Lumia" brands come to Redmond from Finland, "Nokia" remains owned by the Finnish company and it no longer produces any smart phones.
when I'm looking at those two men in suits on the bar stools, I'm reminded of the voice that appeared on Twitter when Nokia signed up for the World Cup two years ago - "two turkeys don't make one eagle" - now we have it documented graphically :)) )
I support everyone who wants to create something... competition is healthy... it's a shame that the Nokia name is ending... I spent ten happy years with it....
"Following the example of Apple, it wants to connect its hardware and software" ... that those concerned would watch the movie JOBS™ ?