Microsoft, Nokia Deal: Managed Mobility Services Business Disruption Ahead?

Microsoft has announced plans to buy the cell phone business of Nokia for more than $7 billion, creating the potential for disrupting the BYOD and mobile management services market. Plus, the deal positions Nokia CEO Stephen Elop as the favorite to replace Microsoft's retiring CEO Steve Ballmer.

Jessica Davis

September 3, 2013

1 Min Read
Stephen Elop left and Steve Ballmer right celebrating an earlier Nokia Microsoft deal
Stephen Elop (left) and Steve Ballmer (right) celebrating an earlier Nokia, Microsoft deal.

Microsoft (MSFT) is buying Nokia’s cell phone and device business in a deal worth over $7 billion. Not only does the deal provide Microsoft with the hardware to go with its smartphone software push and potentially disrupt the bring your own device (BYOD) and managed mobility services business. It also lends credence to speculation Nokia chief Stephen Elop is the heir apparent to retiring Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

As part of the Nokia Microsoft deal, Elop (a Microsoft vet who previously led that company’s Office product suite) will relinquish his job heading Nokia to lead Microsoft’s devices and services business as executive vice president. Assuming the Microsoft-Nokia deal receives regulatory approval, Microsoft will strengthen its arsenal as it battles Samsung and Apple (APPL) in the mobile market. And the Microsoft-Nokia deal could further pressure BlackBerry, which is looking for a buyer.

Check out deeper coverage of the deal and its implications over at The VAR Guy.

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About the Author

Jessica Davis

Jessica Davis

Jessica Davis is the former Content Director for MSPmentor. She spent her career covering the intersection of business and technology.  She's also served as Editor in Chief at Channel Insider and held senior editorial roles at InfoWorld and Electronic News.

See more from Jessica Davis
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