News Brief. How many more companies is Microsoft going to buy? Next up: Danger
Microsoft announced the acquisition today.
Danger is best known for its mobile software and services for the T-Mobile Sidekick. What would Microsoft possibly want from Danger, which has a focus that is decidedly the consumer market?
On Feb. 8, Scott Rockfeld, the group product manager for Microsoft's Mobile Communications group, and I discussed the company's emerging cell phone strategy. After years catering primarily businesses, Microsoft is shifting its cell phone focus to consumers—and furthering the blurry line between personal and professional mobile usage.
As I explained last night, Microsoft recognizes that people increasingly commingle data and behavior around cell phones, perhaps more than any other device that they use. Rockfeld spoke about a strategy where there is "one phone for your entire life."
When I think QWERTY keyboards, slider phones and thumbs in action, I think HTC for business and Sidekick for consumers. Danger will fill a Windows Mobile niche between them, with early focus primarily on consumers.
But there is something more fundamental that too many mobile manufacturers, carriers or service providers have ignored: A phone is fundamentally about communication. And who do people communicate with? D'oh, other people. Danger's services are all about communications—socializing with people most important to you.
Danger's social networking focus resonates well with communication market trends and Microsoft's larger Windows Live objectives.
Danger is best known for its mobile software and services for the T-Mobile Sidekick. What would Microsoft possibly want from Danger, which has a focus that is decidedly the consumer market?
On Feb. 8, Scott Rockfeld, the group product manager for Microsoft's Mobile Communications group, and I discussed the company's emerging cell phone strategy. After years catering primarily businesses, Microsoft is shifting its cell phone focus to consumers—and furthering the blurry line between personal and professional mobile usage.
As I explained last night, Microsoft recognizes that people increasingly commingle data and behavior around cell phones, perhaps more than any other device that they use. Rockfeld spoke about a strategy where there is "one phone for your entire life."
When I think QWERTY keyboards, slider phones and thumbs in action, I think HTC for business and Sidekick for consumers. Danger will fill a Windows Mobile niche between them, with early focus primarily on consumers.
But there is something more fundamental that too many mobile manufacturers, carriers or service providers have ignored: A phone is fundamentally about communication. And who do people communicate with? D'oh, other people. Danger's services are all about communications—socializing with people most important to you.
Danger's social networking focus resonates well with communication market trends and Microsoft's larger Windows Live objectives.
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