Forbes: Nokia had no choice but to choose Windows Phone

June 16, 2012 at 21:49 GMT | By Darlington Moyo

Forbes' Ewan Spence makes an interesting observation, suggesting that Nokia had no choice but to go with Windows Phone following Stephen Elop's declaration that Symbian was a burning platform. Spence notes that Nokia had to choose between Android and Windows Phone, explaining why going with the latter made more sense:

The choice was simple. Android or Windows Phone. Whichever would give Nokia the most benefit in the medium to long term would be the sensible choice.

Android would have allowed Nokia to turn around a new handset in short order, but locked them into an ecosystem where they would struggle to be a leader - they would be subservient to Google in terms of the core software, and both Samsung and HTC were already established hardware players who understood what was required to make the grade with an Android handset.

Microsoft's newer Windows Phone platform would allow Nokia to significantly influence the direction of the platform. Nokia would be the biggest fish in the pond, although they would have a huge responsibility to grow that pond in conjunction with the Redmond based company.

Nokia went for the latter, and I still agree with that decision. It gave the Finnish company a far better shot at being a distinctive smartphone player in the second decade of the twenty first century, rather than yet another company churning out Android devices.

What has pulled Nokia down is not the choice of strategy, but how the changeover from Symbian to Windows Phone has been implemented. The "Burning Platform" memo committed Nokia to winding down Symbian and gave a clear message that the future of Nokia was Windows Phone. Nokia's expectation of Symbian sales slowly descending as Windows Phone took over was measured in years... the market reaction was measured in months.

Recent reports of credit companies downgrading Nokia's bonds have led to vultures circling over the Finnish giant, suggesting Nokia is finished (forgive the punt). Yes, Nokia is facing an uphill struggle that may lead to the company shedding even more bulk and facing up to grim projections, but as we have mentioned time and again, Nokia has a strong partner in Microsoft. The Asha handset range (powered by Nokia's Series 40 OS) continues to deliver solid sales and volume, allowing Nokia to maintain a presence in emerging markets, where they traditionally have enjoyed success. The successful introduction of the Lumia 900 in America and the Lumia range worldwide shows that Nokia have a strategy that will eventually bear success. Here at WPSF, we believe Nokia made the right choice!

SOURCE: Forbes

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About the Author

Darlington M. Moyo

Darlington is a self-confessed smartphone junkie. Some are convinced he has a Microsoft tatoo hidden somewhere on his body. When he is not writing about Windows Phone, he is reading about it. Current device » Nokia Lumia 920. Xbox Gamertag » MthOmnia - Add me