Ive seen a number of Microsoft watchers tweeting that its all but inevitable that Microsoft will buy either Nokia or RIM to counter Googles planned Motorola Mobility acquisition, announced on August 15.
Ive got to say I still dont think buying a handset maker makes sense for the Redmondians. Yes, owning the end-to-end pipeline works for Apple. But its not the way Microsoft or Google, for that matter has structured its mobile business.
Acquisitions of big companies are tough for any vendor to pull off well. Microsoft has had issues digesting companies that it has acquired in recent years. (Examples: Danger, adECN, aQuantive) Consequently, the Microsoft brass have been more inclined to partner (Nokia, Yahoo) than purchase with the very obvious exception of Skype.
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