NokiaSoft on track
Nokia expects to sell a large number of Windows phones in 2012, according to a Reuters report. Kai Oistamo, head of corporate development at Nokia, reportedly said the negotiations between the two firms are on schedule.
Earlier in February when Nokia formally announced its adoption of Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 as its main platform, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said the deal would take at least a couple of months to be finalized. Though the deal's priority was noted as a joined effort to compete against Android, no timelines were mentioned.
However, in a form 20-F with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nokia officials said the transition to Windows Phone as its "primary smartphone platform" will take "about two years."
The announcement only confirms IDC's predictions that Nokia would launch its first devices by next year. Only last month the research firm predicted that Windows Phone would overtake Apple and will take the number 2 place by 2015 with a 20.9 percent market share. Contradicting IDC, research firm ABI predicted that Windows Phone will command only 7 percent of the market by 2016.
Ovum analysts expected a quicker demise for Windows Mobile than for Symbian with minimal shipments expected beyond 2012. It noted that NokiaSoft deal also signals the end of Microsoft's previous play in the smartphone market with the enterprise-focused Windows Mobile.
According to Unwired View, Elop could receive a bonus worth 13 million euros if the deal is a success.
