Mark Anderson, a distinguished technologist who runs an online newsletter widely followed by technology executives and investors, says it's time for Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) to put the kibosh on its consumer efforts. In an interview with The New Times' Bits blog, Anderson said the following:

Except for gaming, it is "game over" for Microsoft in the consumer market. ... It's time to declare Microsoft a loser in phones. Just get out of Dodge.

Other technology blogs were quick to follow up on the comments. CNET's Dave Rosenberg suggested two moves for Microsoft to get its mojo back in the mobile-phone market: Acquire Palm (NASDAQ:Palm), or build out on top of Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) open-source Android operating system.

Let's start by ruling out the possibility that Microsoft will build out its OS strategy using Android. Steve Ballmer would sign up to be Degree's new spokesman before seeing his mobile strategy go that route. It's a great thought in theory, but with current management in place, it won't happen any time soon.

I've been intrigued by the Palm route. Users have generally been very favorable on its webOS operating system, but it faced an uphill struggle, since Palm has limited resources and has been hamstrung on Sprint's (NYSE:S) declining network. Microsoft could provide the resources needed to heavily promote webOS across a variety of carriers.

What's more, as Anderson points out, and I can attest to, walking through Microsoft's halls, "you can see it is not a place that gets consumers." Palm would meld a consumer focus with Microsoft's enterprise expertise, and would be a much smaller risk than the oft-rumored mega-acquisition of Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM).

What are Fools thinking? Should Microsoft abandon mobile and take a risk on other mobile operating systems moving upstream to challenge it? Or should the company acquire its way out of this quandary? Let us know your thoughts -- leave a comment below.