Another example of how Nokia will rescue Windows Phone

I continue to be like the only smartphone analyst on the planet, I think, that actually believes the Microsoft - Nokia alliance is (uh, will be) an effective one. Windows Phone (Mango) is a decent platform, solid operating system. Microsoft can continue to benefit from the integration of WP7 with Bing, Xbox Live, Office, Outlook and various enterprise services and security features. Microsoft has a formal relationship with Facebook.

The company has tens of billions in the bank and Windows + Office continue to print money. They have patents and I still believe that building and maintaining a smartphone platform is more strategic to Microsoft, despite the stumbles, than it is to Google/Android, despite the successes.

This is why I frequently post on Windows Phone above and beyond what should be the attention paid to it given actual sales numbers. 

Another reason, a big one, is Nokia.

For as dysfunctional as they have proven to be, as lost as they are now, there remains much talent, much potential. They are a global brand, they have sold more mobile phones than anyone on the planet. Yes, these are dumbphones and the world is transitioning rapidly to smartphones.

But the fact is, they still make great devices. Though it was born with a small lightning bolt scar on its forehead, I do think the MeeGo N9 from Nokia is a solid, beautiful device. Now check out the Nokia 700 Zeta:

a Symbian Belle OS and a 5-megpixel camera. Rumors also include features such as 3.2-inch AMOLED screen, NFC, and 1GHz processor.

 This is another great example of what Nokia can do -- with Symbian.

Making a great Symbian smartphone, in 2011, that's like bringing your friend's grandmother to orgasm. Yes, it's messy, but it still ough to be celebrated.

If Nokia rights itself, if they can liberate themselves from software development incompetence, then imagine what they can build for Windows Phone.

Fact is, no one builds, no one designs such beautiful, great devices -- at multiple price points, in multiple form factors -- as Nokia.

At least, not worldwide. Sony is close. Panasconic, within Japan, may be their equal. But Nokia does this everywhere.

Do not count out the Microsoft - Nokia alliance.

It's too early, still, in this giant, growing market.