Its official, Microsoft is on a spending spree. After buying Nokia for 7 billion dollars in April, Microsoft is now interested in buying Blackberry for 7 billion, according to numerous sources. Here is just one article;
If Nokia's acquisition is any indication, Microsoft will leave no stone unturned in taking over BlackBerry. Rumour has it that an acquisition of BlackBerry is possible, while media reports suggest an official announcement will be made in the days to come. There is no concrete evidence that BlackBerry has hit rock bottom and needs help from another tech giant to usher into the mainstream, but ailing sales of its handsets paint a clear picture.
Besides Microsoft, a couple of other tech companies from China have shown keen interest in BlackBerry such as Huawei, Lenovo and Xiaomi. But a recent report from Digitimes suggests that Microsoft's chances of acquiring BlackBerry are higher than any of its Chinese competitions, mainly due to stringent scrutiny of regulatory authorisation in the US and Europe.
According to another report from Malaysian Digest, Microsoft is reportedly making a $7 billion offer to take over BlackBerry. If the question rises about Microsoft's interest in the Canadian tech giant, the answer is pretty simple. BlackBerry's interesting patent portfolio of Internet of Vehicles, mobile platform and communications division grabs a quick attention, Mobiletor reports.
BlackBerry has long been trying to turn the tables in the smartphone business but has largely failed. The company's recent handsets such as Passport, Classic and Leap have failed to make a lasting impression in the high-end smartphone market, which is dominated by Samsung and Apple. In trying to focus on what it does best, BlackBerry pushed out its BBM software from its own OS to other platforms. Of late, the tech giant has been directing immense focus into enterprise services than consumer sales.
If BlackBerry has actually come to think over its position in the market as a standalone firm, CEO John Chen's forward-looking thinking is not working in the best possible ways. BlackBerry also announced layoffs in its mobile division but failed to confirm how many employees will be affected by Saturday's decision.
"As a result, we have made the decision to consolidate our device software, hardware and applications business, impacting a number of employees around the world. We know that our employees have worked hard on behalf of our company and we are grateful for their commitment and contributions," BlackBerry said in the statement, according to Softpedia.
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Now here is my take on this. With Nokia, I knew Microsoft was just trying to get them to keep making WP's. It was a desperate choice by then bald overweight CEO Steve Ballmer. This time however, I really think Microsoft has less interest in their handsets, and more in the secruity software. Blackberry has lots of security patients, and it also carries loads of informaiton, going all the way to the Barack Obama and Anela Merkel and many other world leaders. Blackberry is also in over 50 million cars, including all Ford cars going forward. Having Blackberry under their belt gives a new revenue source. So what do you think? Is it a good idea, or is it bound to be another flop? Leave your comments below, and I'll see you soon!
Sources: http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/05/25/rumor-microsoft-interested-in-acquiring-blackberry
http://www.fool.ca/2015/05/20/could-microsoft-corporation-acquire-blackberry-ltd/
http://www.ibtimes.co.in/after-nokia-microsoft-eyes-blackberry-7-billion-bid-report-633571
