Microsoft Needs to Cozy Up to Verizon, Motorola

 

5. Flash 

Windows Phone 7 will not ship with Flash. That's a serious problem for Microsoft. Although Apple fans would say that Flash will cause security problems and it's really not needed, its integration with Android 2.2 tells a much different story. It makes the browsing experience on Android 2.2 much better. Microsoft should consider partnering with Adobe prior to its big announcement. If it can promise Flash sooner rather than later, it puts all the pressure on Apple. 

6. Get working with Verizon 

When Windows Phone 7 launches, it will be available on GSM carrier services. So, Verizon will not be offering Windows Phone 7 products out of the gate. That's a problem for Microsoft, especially since Verizon has doubled down on Android OS. If it's smart, Microsoft will do everything it can to partner with Verizon. The carrier is central to the success or failure of Windows Phone 7, and Microsoft must remember that. 

7. Fixing the Motorola problem 

Microsoft has sued Motorola over claims that the company infringes the software giant's patents in its Android-based smartphones. That lawsuit could damage Microsoft's ability to attract the top Android vendor in the market. Realizing that, maybe Microsoft should reconsider its lawsuit and start coaxing Motorola to its side. It won't mean that Motorola will drop Android, but if Microsoft plays it right, it can at least get the company's devices running its software. It's an issue that Microsoft needs to address soon. 

8. The half-Apple, half-Microsoft approach 

Microsoft is following a strange strategy with Windows Phone 7. On one hand, it wants as many vendors as possible to run its software on their devices. But on the other hand, the company is instituting draconian policies to ensure the look and feel of Windows Phone 7 isn't modified too greatly from device to device. It's an odd scenario where Microsoft is trying to be itself and deliver an operating system to vendors, but at the same time control their design process like Apple. It's a poor move that it should think twice about. 

9. The browsing issue 

Windows Phone 7 will ship with a mobile version of Internet Explorer 7. That is a huge mistake on the software giant's part. If nothing else, Microsoft should know that consumers don't necessarily take kindly to Internet Explorer 7. And they want something better. If the company is smart, it will take the stage next week and say that it will offer Internet Explorer 9 after an update is pushed to devices. It's the smart move. And it's something Microsoft should consider. 

10. The short-sightedness 

Windows Phone 7 looks awfully short-sighted. It lacks key features, it's a consumer-focused product from an enterprise-focused company, and it's not attracting vendors that see its potential over the long term. At its event next week, Microsoft needs to remove that short-sightedness from the product. It needs to show that it has a road map for success. And it must make it clear that it's willing to support the software over the long haul. It isn't making that case right now. And that alone could be pushing consumers and vendors away.