Several media sources report that Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has given app developers financial incentives to create software for its Windows mobile OS. The operating system, combined with phones from Nokia (NYSE: NOK) are the last ditch effort to salvage the strategically important business.
Microsoft competes with the Apple and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android app stores. The two mobile platforms are widely distributed enough for app makers to have a chance at highly profitable businesses. For Windows app developers, the profits may all be in the up-front payments.
To say that the chance Microsoft will get market share is a long shot is an understatment, if it pays for apps, or not
Douglas A. McIntyre
