eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
When Microsoft announced last year that it had struck a deal with Nokia to make Windows Phone 7 the principal operating system in the handset makers devices, nearly everyone wondered if it would work. Nokia phones had been running the Symbian operating for as long as anyone could remember, and Microsoft was trying desperately to be viewed by competitors as a legitimate player in the hotly contested mobile space.
Now that the Nokia Lumia 900 has launched and is currently the top seller on Amazon, it appears many of the naysayers might have been wrong. Sure its very early in the sales cycle for the Lumia 900 and it took Microsoft and Nokia awhile to produce the first glimmer of real success for the partnership, but at this point, all signs indicate the relationship is working and is likely to get stronger with continued progress. Perhaps most importantly, Microsoft might start to see increased market share for its mobile platform.
However, that doesnt mean that Microsoft is out of the woods. Quite the contrary, the software giant has far more work ahead of it. And even with strong initial sales, the Nokia Lumia 900 could be a make-or-break device for Microsoft and its future mobile software hopes.
Read on to find out why the Nokia Lumia 900s early sales momentum is extremely important to Microsofts future success.
1. Its a gateway to Windows Phone 7
For Microsoft, getting people to actually use Windows Phone 7 before they decide if its right for them over the long term is a huge priority. With the Lumia 900 coming in at just $99, the software company can coax folks into doing that. The Lumia 900 is the first product to be a true gateway to long-term Windows Phone 7 use.
2. It justifies Microsofts Nokia investment
As noted, much has been made about Microsofts deal with Nokia. And across many areas of the technology space, the software company has been criticized for agreeing to the deal. If the Lumia 900 can keep up its strong sales momentum, it will go a long way toward Microsoft justifying that agreement.
3. Think of other vendors
Todays handset vendors have been waiting for a Windows Phone 7-based device to become popular before they decide to invest in that market. Now that the Lumia 900 seems to be on its way to achieving that goal, the other vendors might try to take advantage of the Windows Phone 7 sales. Think Microsoft doesnt care about that? Think again.
4. It puts Google on notice
Its no secret Microsoft and Google cant stand each other. Its also no secret that Microsofts mobile team hates that Android is beating Windows Phone 7 handily. If the Lumia 900 continues its success and helps score more market share for Windows Phone 7, Microsoft might put some real competitive pressure on Google in the mobile marketfor years one of Microsofts top goals.
Can Microsoft Keep Mobile Legitimacy With Windows Phone?
5. Developers, anyone?
One of the biggest issues facing Windows Phone 7 is its general lack of available applications compared with competitors. If the Lumia 900 becomes successful and Microsoft can string together a few more hot-selling handset models, developers might come running.
6. Legitimacy matters at this point
Microsoft has yet to prove that its a legitimate player in the mobile market. As of right now, Apples iOS and Android are the only operating systems that matter. With help from the Nokia Lumia 900, Microsoft might be able to establish itself as another legitimate contender to the mobile market crown.
7. An acquisition consideration
Since Nokia and Microsoft inked the Windows Phone 7 partnership last year, rumors have been cropping up suggesting Microsoft might consider acquiring Nokia outright. If the Lumia 900 succeeds and other devices from the firm follow suit, Microsoft might just consider it. Based on Microsofts current place in the mobile space, it wouldnt be such a bad idea to acquire Nokia if its growing. And Microsoft knows that.
8. It builds the hype
One of the core elements of success in todays mobile space is hype. With it, companies and devices can succeed; without it, theyll fail. In Microsofts case, theres almost no hype surrounding its mobile platform. If the Lumia 900 continues to succeed and sales get stronger, hype will follow. And in the process, more Windows Phone 7-based devices will win buyers attention.
9. Nokia stays put
Although Microsoft and Nokia have signed a deal to make Windows Phone 7 the primary operating system on Nokias line of handsets, it doesnt mean that the mobile firm will stay put indefinitely. If Windows Phone 7 doesnt work for Nokia, the company will have to move to another platform, like Android. But if the Lumia 900 becomes a full-fledged winner, Microsoft wont have to worry so much about Nokia going elsewhere for software.
10. Leverage with other vendors
As noted, a successful Lumia 900 could make more vendors want to join the Windows Phone 7 fray. And if that happens, Microsoft might finally have some leverage that it doesnt have right now. After all, as nice as it would be to license the software to another vendor, if Microsoft has some successful companies already delivering its software, it can dictate better terms to the new entrant. Leverage is everything in the mobile spaceand Microsoft knows it.
Follow Don Reisinger on Twitter by clicking here