Nokia MS Deal was all on Ballmer, Wanted HERE Maps too; Gates opposed building phones,

Quick heads up on this story. More details unravel indicating that the deal to get Nokia’s D&S was mainly on Ballmer, who also originally pushed for HERE Maps. The deal was said to be too expensive and too complex. Gates was not in agreement that Microsoft should make their own mobile devices. Nadella, the new CEO was also against the deal but changed his side at the last minute.

http://www.wpcentral.com/ballmer-had-board-pushback-nokia-deal

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-03-05/microsoft-ceo-nadella-inherits-legacy-of-ballmer-board-division

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/04/the-long-road-to-nokia-deal-a-bloody-ballmer-stalled-discussions/

Ballmer’s overly enthusiastic ways at board meetings possibly resulted in him shouting at meetings, thus leading other board members to think he was not listening leading to him being ousted as leader. The CEO may lead but the CEO alone cannot make the decisions for the whole company.

The Microsoft board, despite gaining control of WP and the majority manufacturer, seemed hesitant to get Nokia.  It lends some strength to the belief that this is partly why the Nokia brand isn’t going to MS for smartphones. Perhaps too expensive and they just didn’t want it (as opposed to Nokia holding onto it).

Further more, from the perspective of Nokia fans and those at MS at the time, they already had what they want from Nokia. But in this way, it secured MS’ future which could have swayed another direction if Nokia had deviated completely by going more into Android.

Cheers Alvester for the tip!

Category: Nokia