Microsoft and Nokia have agreed to tie the knot in a US$7.迷你倉2 billion (HK$56.16 billion) ceremony. The marriage brings Microsoft not only Nokia's mobile devices arm, but also the homecoming of its former senior executive Stephen Elop. The union is a good news for Nokia investors who have been watching their shares coming under pressure during Elop's three-year reign. After the Microsoft deal was announced, Nokia stock jumped 35 percent. If the acquisition of Nokia's mobile device operation is a major step in Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer's plan to take the software giant into the fierce battlefield of smartphones, the market is watching with skepticism. Following the announcement, Microsoft shares plunged 5 percent. The market concern is understandable. As a Johnny-come- lately, it's highly doubtful that Microsoft can carve out a meaningful piece of the pie now dominated by Samsung and Apple. Microsoft must also be aware that even other big brands that arrived ahead of it are struggling to secure a foothold. Does Ballmer have any tricks up his sleeve? It's a legitimate question. To consummate the deal, Nokia's chief executive Elop will return to Microsoft upon completion of the merger to head the mobile devices unit. Ballmer, who is retiring next year, was cagey when asked if Elop would succeed him as Microsoft's Big Kahuna. Nevertheless, there's no doubt Elop will be a top contender for the post. It's small wonder the Finnish 儲存edia was angry, with some even labelling Elop as the "Trojan Horse" of Greek mythology infamy at Nokia. While it's unlikely the claim can be proven, it's a fact that over the past three years, the market value of Nokia has more than halved. The Finns are naturally hurt at seeing Nokia - their national pride and joy - being sold for a lousy US$7.2 billion. Having said that, it would be unfair to blame Elop for all the woes at Nokia. Ten years ago, the brand was still the mobile phone of choice for many users. But the lofty perch also blinded the Finnish giant to the market shift from traditional models to smartphones. A failure to recognize the extent of the threat posed by the iPhone and its subsequent Android competitors early enough precipitated its demise in today's tough mobile phone market. It was like a dinosaur with no ability to react swiftly to environmental changes. It's fine to have good hardware, but that alone can't carry the day. It's even more important to acquire the soft power. In the smartphone market, applications have taken over as the soul. Technology has undeniably and fundamentally transformed the way of modern life. Once again, we can see in Nokia the universal truth of natural selection. Only those who can embrace and adapt to change will survive. Anybody failing that has no choice but to bow out of the stage. It's a lesson for all of us. We can't be complacent with what we have today, but must create for tomorrow. 新蒲崗迷你倉
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