When HP announced that they would be buying Palm back in April, everyone thought that it was so that they could get into the smartphone market, especially when they announced that they would be investing heavily in Palm’s webOS.
Now it seems that isn’t the case as HP’s CEO Mark Hurd has announced that HP acquired Palm for their webOS IP and not to be in the smartphone business.
“We didn’t buy Palm to be in the smartphone business. And I tell people that, but it doesn’t seem to resonate well. We bought it for the IP. The WebOS is one of the two ground-up pieces of software that is built as a web operating environment…We have tens of millions of HP small form factor web-connected devices…Now imagine that being a web-connected environment where now you can get a common look and feel and a common set of services laid against that environment. That is a very value proposition.”
HP’s Vision for webOS
HP’s acquisition of Palm was a strategic move to leverage the innovative webOS platform across a variety of devices beyond smartphones. The webOS, known for its intuitive user interface and multitasking capabilities, was seen as a valuable asset that could enhance HP’s existing product lines. HP envisioned integrating webOS into a wide range of devices, including tablets, printers, and other small form factor devices. This approach would allow HP to create a unified ecosystem where users could enjoy a consistent experience across different devices.
For instance, HP’s plan to develop a tablet based on webOS was aimed at entering the burgeoning tablet market, which was gaining momentum with the success of Apple’s iPad. By utilizing webOS, HP hoped to offer a unique alternative that could attract consumers looking for a versatile and user-friendly tablet experience. Additionally, integrating webOS into printers could revolutionize the way users interact with these devices, making them more connected and capable of performing a variety of tasks beyond traditional printing.
The Strategic Importance of webOS IP
The decision to focus on webOS IP rather than entering the competitive smartphone market highlights HP’s strategic priorities. The smartphone market, dominated by giants like Apple and Samsung, posed significant challenges for new entrants. By contrast, the webOS platform offered HP a unique opportunity to differentiate itself in other areas where it already had a strong presence.
HP’s CEO Mark Hurd emphasized the importance of webOS as a web operating environment, which could be a game-changer for HP’s product ecosystem. The ability to provide a common look and feel, along with a unified set of services across various devices, was seen as a significant value proposition. This strategy aimed to enhance user experience and create a seamless integration between different HP products.
Moreover, the acquisition of Palm’s webOS IP allowed HP to tap into the innovative potential of the platform. WebOS was known for its advanced features, such as card-based multitasking and Synergy, which integrated information from various sources into a single view. These features could be leveraged to develop new and innovative products that could set HP apart from its competitors.
We have already heard that HP intends to produce a tablet based on webOS, as well as use the webOS in their printers, it seems a somewhat strange move from HP as you would have thought they would be able to develop smartphones based on webOS that could compete in the market.
However, HP’s decision to focus on webOS IP rather than smartphones reflects a broader vision of creating a connected ecosystem of devices. By integrating webOS into a variety of products, HP aimed to offer a cohesive and enhanced user experience that could drive customer loyalty and differentiate its offerings in the market.
via Slash Gear
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