Nokia Windows Phone: Why it may Eventually Win

One may have imagined a few heads to turn and take notice when the world’s leading cellphone manufacturer and the world’s leading operating system maker decided to join hands in February 11^th, 2011.  What one didn’t expect was the large amount of criticism and scepticism both Nokia and Microsoft came under. However, the launch of the Nokia Lumia line of phones may not have just silenced the nay-sayers, it has given us the opportunity to think of the possibilities for this great partnership. In this post we look at the why the Nokia-Windows phone combination may just become the leaders in the smartphone world in the next few years.

Focus on core-competencies

Focusing on core-competencies always gives the best results and this is exactly what Microsoft and Nokia are banking on.

Nokia is unquestionably one of the best hardware manufacturers in mobile phones and smartphones around the world. Its design ingenuity and industrial expertise is unrivalled by most. While Nokia’s Symbian Operating system may be past its glory, it is Nokia’s hardware that shall remain its core competency.

Microsoft has long since prevailed as the largest Operating system maker in the personal computers market and with a re-surging focus on building higher quality software; Microsoft will go back to its roots, making popular software that run on all systems around the world. When it comes to making and selling software no one even come close to Microsoft.

Marketing strength

Nokia has a strong brand presence in almost all parts of the world. With over 2 decades of experience in understanding the local needs of the customer and bringing out products that cater to both the premium customer as well as the bottom of the pyramid, Nokia has the ability to manufacture and sell to all market segments. Take for example, the ingenious marketing strategy in India Nokia employed for the Nokia Lumia 800 which rode on the success of the Flash mobs that seemed a rage in the end of 2011.

Microsoft has reigned supreme in the world of Personal Computer Software for over 2 decades while dealing with some serious competition from the Open Source Software as well as from the likes of Apple. Even today, Windows OS holds 84.85% market share, making it a force to reckon with. With 2 giants of marketing behind it, Nokia Windows Phones will definitely reach to every nook and corner of the world.

Distribution Strength

Nokia has the best distribution and reach among all mobile phone manufacturers. Its network expanding into over 220 countries is greater than the member of countries in UN. Add to it some truly remarkable marketing strategies in its sleeve, Nokia has the power to diffuse any new technology to the lowest strata of society in the remotest part of the world.

Microsoft has an equally strong distribution network for its Software. Add to it its dedicated sales channel in over 100 countries around the world, Microsoft has the power to drive sales of its operating systems and hardware products throughout the world. Together that can make sure that Nokia Windows Phones are sold everywhere and across all channels.

Ability to build a smartphone for commoner and king

Nokia has the luxury of doing what Apple can’t or may never do; Build a great affordable smartphone. Nokia has the opportunity to expand its brand spectrum with an affordable range of smartphone as well as to introduce a premium range of smartphones for the higher end market. Nokia has done this effectively in the past with the feature phones in markets such as India by bringing out cheap torch phones for the villagers as well as expensive communicators for the enterprise customers. While Samsung has already done this in its own way, the brand value and the trust associated with Nokia can never be matched by any other player. This is especially true in countries such as India, where Nokia has made a lasting impression.

Windows 8 : This really holds the key to success

Windows 8 may just be the game changer in the operating systems ecosystem.

Windows 8 plans to bring a seamless experience, both in terms of look and feel and integration, across the 3 form factors – Desktop, Tablet and Smartphone. As we understand it will also enable developers to create apps and run them on all the 3 form factors, seamlessly.

More developers will see the potential of building applications and games for Windows phone for the sheer size of Windows users around the globe. Several developers of applications and software for PC will start making applications that are seamlessly integrated with all Windows devices. This would essentially mean the redefinition of the smartphone ecosystem.

If you are someone who owns a Personal Computer, a tablet and a smartphone you would rather have the same operating system running on all three. You would expect seamless integration of all your applications, software and data across all these devices. Windows 8 will pose a big challenge to Android, as Android is still available only for 2 of the 3 form factors Phone and Tablet. Consumers who have not yet chosen smartphones or tablets may be motivated to make their choice in favor of Windows, and mind you that’s still 85% of the world we are speaking about.

Check the mind blowing potential of Windows 8 below:

Ability to target Enterprise Smartphone market

Windows phones may give Blackberry stiff competition in the coming years possibly with its seamless enterprise integration capabilities with already popular enterprise products Microsoft Office, Exchange and SharePoint. With over 95% market share for the enterprise user in the PC segment, Microsoft clearly has a compelling case for the enterprise segment which wants to buy a smartphone truly integrates with its existing infrastructure. Nokia can ride on the success of the windows enterprise products with the promise of delivering quality enterprise hardware with its years of experience building the E series and the Communicator.

Summary

While many have written their eulogies for the Smartphone battle, the war has only begun. Nokia has a strong partner in its quest to stay supreme in the smartphone segment with Microsoft. With greater focus on core-competencies, an unparalleled marketing acumen and distribution strength, both Microsoft and Nokia have the ability to create a new world order in the world of smartphones. If the promises of Windows 8 are met, Nokia may just have the perfect arsenal to take on the aggressive smartphone competitors. Nokia Windows Phones may become the next leader in Smartphone segment by creating products for the masses, for the premium as well as for the enterprise segment. Truly, the future seems promising for the mammoth alliance of Nokia and Microsoft.

This is a guest post by Sulakshan who is Co-Founder of MySmartPrice.com, a site which helps your find the best price for Mobiles, Books, Games, Computers, and Appliances etc.