Business & Technology | Microsoft watchers keep eye on Nokia as it gets set to roll out Windows phones | Seattle Times Newspaper

One thing for certain: this is more bad news for RIM

For Microsoft, which has had a hard time gaining traction in the smartphone market, Nokia's worldwide reach is a chance to clamber out from behind the shadows of Android, Apple and Research In Motion.

"This is what could make the difference from Windows Phone becoming an also-ran or being a solid No. 3 and making its way to No. 2 in coming years," said Rob Sanfilippo, a research vice president with the independent analysis firm Directions on Microsoft.

Business & Technology | Microsoft watchers keep eye on Nokia as it gets set to roll out Windows phones | Seattle Times Newspaper