Why Microsoft Really Bought Nokia

cringely.com

4 points·citizenkeys··6 comments

It looks like US commentators are confused.

1. Microsoft did not buy Nokia.

2. Microsoft did not buy Nokia's patents (it only bought licences).

3. Microsoft did not buy Nokia brand (it can only use the brand in smartphones for short time, in S40 and S60 longer time).

Microsoft bought only Nokia phone business. What is left is Nokia Networks and Solutions, HERE (maps) and Nokia Advanced Technologies (research and development arm of Nokia). Nokia is also prohibited of making it's own phones until 2015.

Nokia could buy Jolla (company founded by Nokia engineers) and be back in smartphone business with Nokia brand in 2015. I don't think it will be, but it could.

I don't think the US commentators are confused, it's just easier to say "Microsoft bought Nokia" vs. "Microsoft bought Nokia's devices division and licensed their patents".

For the average Joe, Nokia made phones, and Microsoft bought that part of Nokia, resulting in "Microsoft bought Nokia".

You're arguing semantics when the people who care get it, and the people who don't care, don't need to know the difference.

>It’s also the acquisition of a global brand

Cringley thinks that Microsoft bought global brand.

well nokia is the number one supporter for WP.

Exactly, and if Nokia stopped producing Windows Phones, Microsoft's approaching 8% marketshare (or is it 9% now?) would be cut down significantly, and would likely be a nail in WP's coffin.

WP market share is just 4%

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