The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which developer Chris Bledsoe and senior technology analyst Eric Bleeker discuss topics around the investing world.
In today's edition, Eric and Chris look at reports from ZTE that give a licensing costs for Microsoft's Windows Phone. Eric finds the licensing costs, which were reported at $23 to $31, to be overly excessive. Especially with companies like ZTE that are targeting growth in the Chinese smartphone market, where prices can dip down into the $100-per-unit range, that's too steep a cost when there are free -- aside from patent litigation -- alternatives like Android. Eric thinks Microsoft hasn't evolved yet from its historical business model, where software is charged on a per-license basis. For a company that's deeply behind in the smartphone game, Microsoft would be better off licensing Windows Phone 7 for less and hoping it can make back the money through deeper integration with its Web services and other business lines. The alternative to this strategy is an increasing irrelevance in the mobile space.
Looking for the technology trend set to define the next decade? We're creating 60% more data every year. That's an astounding growth rate that presents opportunity for investors who can find the leaders not only storing the data but also finding new, innovative ways of analyzing it. To take advantage of this gigantic technology opportunity, The Motley Fool has compiled a new report called "The Only Stock You Need to Profit From the NEW Technology Revolution." The report highlights a company that has gained more than 200% since it was first recommended by Fool analysts but still has plenty of room left to run. Thousands have requested access to this special free report, and now you can get it today at no cost. To get instant access to the name of this company transforming the IT industry, click here -- it's free.
