14 DAY TRIAL // iOS, Android and BlackBerry are among the most popular OSes for business, but Windows Phone is gaining ground as well. Even though Microsoft’s operating system is now third largest mobile platform in the world, the gap between Windows Phone and Android is huge.
There’s little chance for Windows Phone to overtake both Android and iOS as world’s most popular operating system, but there’s room in the business market where enterprise customers are looking for cheap but reliable solutions.
Both BlackBerry and Android are getting some of the largest market shares when it comes to B2B, but there’s at least one company that thinks Windows Phone could do better than it’s doing now.
With around 5% worldwide market share, Windows Phone could mean much more on the B2B segment. Mobile News CWP reports analyst firm CCS Insight claims Windows Phone could become the second most popular operating system for businesses by the end of 2016, behind Apple’s iOS.
Even though Windows Phone switched places with BlackBerry OS when it comes to market share on the end-user market, it’s unclear how much these two platforms matter in the B2B market.
Android, BlackBerry, iOS and Windows Phone are the only OSes that offer business solutions to enterprise customers, but Apple’s platform may be by far the most popular in this segment.
By that assumption, Windows Phone will have to overtake Android and BlackBerry in order to become the second most popular OS for businesses. However, without accurate statistics, it’s hard to tell where exactly Windows Phone is now standing in comparison with the other two.
Windows Phone needs to overtake Android to become second most relevant OS for B2B
As per CCS Insight, some of the most important handset manufacturers will start making Windows Phones, which could lead to a stronger presence in markets like China.
Companies like Lenovo, LG and Sony could turn the tide for Microsoft, as the Redmond-based company has incredibly low market shares in Asian countries.
“LG may take up Windows Phone again as a way to distance itself from domestic rival Samsung. Windows Phone will allow Lenovo to exploits its strong connections with Microsoft and a large presence in the enterprise market. All three manufacturers could receive significant incentives from Microsoft.”
Huawei has recently confirmed it has dropped any plans for Windows Phones, which leaves only Lenovo to keep the platform alive in China.
Even though Microsoft has a long road ahead, the number two spot in the B2B market doesn’t need to sound so impossible for such a big company. Only time will tell whether or not Microsoft has chosen the right strategy to turn its Windows Phone platform into one of the most popular OSes for businesses.
