Google Android makes Nokia & Microsoft to partner

The internal memo from Nokia chief was indicative of the fact that drastic changes were coming. But even the most well informed sources and industry experts were taken aback about the Nokia-Microsoft tie-up since Symbian was still doing fine (but it was clearly not enough). Android was on high surge, and to fight it out alone was not an option. Hence the two biggies, Microsoft and Nokia came together.

So what would be the benefits of the tie-up?

• Nokia would adopt Windows Phone as its principal smartphone strategy, innovating on top of the platform in areas such as imaging, where Nokia is a market leader.
• Nokia would help drive the future of Windows Phone.  Nokia would contribute its expertise on hardware design, language support, and help bring Windows Phone to a larger range of price points, market segments and geographies.
• Nokia and Microsoft would closely collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and a shared development roadmap to align on the future evolution of mobile products.
• Bing would power Nokia's search services across Nokia devices and services, giving customers access to Bing's next generation search capabilities.  Microsoft adCenter would provide search advertising services on Nokia's line of devices and services.
• Nokia Maps would be a core part of Microsoft's mapping services.   For example, Maps would be integrated with Microsoft's Bing search engine and adCenter advertising platform to form a unique local search and advertising experience
• Nokia's extensive operator billing agreements would make it easier for consumers to purchase Nokia Windows Phone services in countries where credit-card use is low.
• Microsoft development tools would be used to create applications to run on Nokia Windows Phones, allowing developers to easily leverage the ecosystem's global reach. 
• Nokia's content and application store would be integrated with Microsoft Marketplace for a more compelling consumer experience.

The tie-up looks compelling enough for the industry experts to get excited about it. But will it really be still able to give a good fight to Android who seemed to have conquered the Smartphone market. What do you think about it?