Microsoft Smartphone Market Share: Could Microsoft Really Win Big Here?

Microsoft Smartphone Market Share: Let’s face it: the thought that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) could become a serious player in the smartphone industry, regardless of the market, is not one that most people take seriously.

Right now, Microsoft is far behind the competition in the smartphone arena. This includes frontrunners Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) BlackBerry.

While you may never believe that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has what it takes to get back into the game, it appears that the company has its sights set on one country: South Africa.

With Microsoft doing whatever it can to find markets that will accept its mobile products, South Africa is a logical choice.

According to a report by Bloomberg, over the next five years Africa is expected to be the “fastest-growing market by wireless subscribers.”

Of course, this is not going to be a walkover. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will have plenty of competition, as both Android and BlackBerry devices are already among the most popular in the country.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Gustavo Fuchs, the person in charge of Windows Phone business in Africa and Middle East, feels that the company will be able to become top dog in South Africa by 2016.

This is a lofty goal for a company that has struggled in the smartphone market in the past, however, it is hoping to rely on the help of Nokia and HTC to make this happen.

He added the following:

“With a low-smartphone-penetration market, Windows Phone has a bigger chance to be the first smartphone for users. The smartphone snowball effect has started.”

Right now, the smartphone market in South Africa is growing by leaps and bounds. For example, last year roughly 73 percent of the population owned a handset. While this number is solid on its own, it is expected to grow to 85 percent over the next two years.

This is the type of growth that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is relying on. This is the type of growth that will at least put the company in position to achieve success in this country.

Although Microsoft is often times an afterthought in the smartphone world, it is good to see the company taking the initiative and setting goals in markets that could really use its handsets.

If you want to learn more about Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) smartphones, check out the video on the next page:

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