14 DAY TRIAL // Last week, Redmond-based software giant Microsoft announced plans to purchase the handset division of Nokia, one of the largest mobile phone makers out there, and many have started to question the future existence of the Finnish brand.
As it turns out, Nokia’s name will continue to be present on devices even after the acquisition is completed, at least this is what Chris Weber, Nokia’s EVP for Sales and Marketing, says.
Speaking to Nokia Conversations, he explained that Microsoft was purchasing only a part of Nokia, and that the remaining company would continue to operate, gathering the networks, location, and advanced technologies divisions.
Furthermore, he said that Microsoft was considering buying the right to continue using Nokia’s brand on specific handset series, such as Asha, though it remains to be seen what exactly will happen with the Lumia series of smartphones.
One thing that Chris explained from the beginning was the fact that the transaction had yet to be completed, and that this might not happen within the next six months.
“For now, and for perhaps six months, it’s business as usual. New phones, support, apps – all of it. I can promise you, we have some fantastic stuff in the pipeline,” Chris Weber said.
Following the closing of the deal, however, the people in charge with the design, build, and support of Nokia phones will be transferred to Microsoft.
“We expect our smartphone, mobile phone, industrial design, support and all the related teams to be doing their same job to the same standards, but working for Microsoft. This is really important: this acquisition is about bringing over expertise in making fantastic, top-quality and innovative products,” he said.
“Working with Microsoft we can increase the awareness and growth of Windows Phone, Asha and our feature phones. We can build upon the success of Lumia and create a stronger, faster, more innovative route to driving this portfolio and the exciting ecosystem around it.”
Even after the purchase, the division will continue to work on Asha and feature phone families of devices, which will continue to see support from Microsoft, it seems. Customer support will remain the same as before, Chris Weber also said.
He also added that all the features that users currently love about Nokia’s devices hadn’t changed, including design, durability, apps, and support. The company plans on keeping them unaltered even after Microsoft takes the lead.
“And in the light of this deal, it gets even better. The Windows Phone ecosystem gets more investment. Your support and updates for the lifetime of the phone is guaranteed. Then, more of everything because of that investment – innovation and better products faster,” he concluded.