Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NOK), Google Inc (GOOG): Okay Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Now Comes the Hard Part

After Microsoft’s recent win in court relating to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and its Motorola division not playing nice, and the on-going, contentious relationship the two tech giants have, learning from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) may seem counterintuitive to Microsoft fans. But there are insights that Microsoft can garner from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), because it followed a similar path to gaining control of mobile hardware, just as Microsoft is with Nokia, to partner with their respective operating systems.

It’s been two years now since Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) announced it would drop $12.5 billion for Motorola Mobility. Motorola’s patents definitely played a part in Google’s decision, but diving into the mobile hardware space was always part of its plan. With such a dominant smartphone OS position, it’s easy to see the logic behind Google’s move.

But here we are two years later, and the market is just now being introduced to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Moto X phone, its first foray into the hardware side of the business utilizing its Motorola acquisition.

The moral of the story? Microsoft and its shareholders will need to exercise supreme patience before reaping their rewards. As Google demonstrated, it will take time for Microsoft to put its stamp on mobile hardware. Bringing the Nokia people over to Microsoft will help immensely, but integrating a whole new business isn’t going to happen overnight — regardless of who ends up taking the reins after Ballmer exits.

The article Okay Microsoft, Now Comes the Hard Part originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Tim Brugger.

Fool contributor Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

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