Following on from the collapse of the HP webOS products late last week, when HP released a surprise announcement that they would be stopping all production of their webOS hardware. Closing down production and discontinuing operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones.
Brandon Watson, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Windows Phone 7 development, wasted no time tweeting an offer to published WebOS developers. Wooing potential webOS developers into Microsoft’s corner by offering free phones, training, and development tools.
After a few days, the move seemed to have paid off for Microsoft as Watson has received more than 500 emails from interested webOS developers looking for a new development platform. You can view Brandon Watson’s Twitter feed here if you are interested in jumping on to the Microsoft developer team.
The Impact of HP’s Decision on the Tech Community
The sudden decision by HP to discontinue its webOS hardware sent shockwaves through the tech community. The TouchPad, which was HP’s flagship tablet, and webOS phones were seen as promising competitors in the mobile market. However, due to poor sales and market reception, HP decided to pull the plug. This left many developers who had invested time and resources into the webOS platform in a difficult position, searching for new opportunities to apply their skills.
Microsoft’s quick response to this situation highlights the competitive nature of the tech industry. By offering free phones, training, and development tools, Microsoft not only provided a lifeline to these developers but also strengthened its own ecosystem. This strategic move could potentially bring a wealth of new apps and innovations to the Windows Phone platform, which was still in its early stages of growth at the time.
Why Developers Are Important to Mobile Platforms
Developers are the backbone of any mobile platform. They create the apps and services that attract users and keep them engaged. Without a robust developer community, even the most advanced hardware can struggle to gain traction in the market. This is why companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google go to great lengths to support and incentivize developers.
For instance, Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store offer developers a global marketplace to sell their apps, along with various tools and resources to aid in app development. Microsoft, recognizing the importance of a strong developer community, has made similar efforts. By reaching out to webOS developers, Microsoft aimed to bolster its app ecosystem, which was crucial for the success of Windows Phone 7.
The offer of free phones and training was particularly enticing for webOS developers. Transitioning to a new platform can be challenging, but Microsoft’s support made the process smoother. This move also demonstrated Microsoft’s commitment to growing its developer community and ensuring that Windows Phone users had access to a wide range of high-quality apps.
In conclusion, HP’s decision to discontinue webOS hardware created a significant opportunity for Microsoft. By swiftly reaching out to webOS developers with attractive incentives, Microsoft not only provided a new home for these developers but also strengthened its own platform. This strategic move underscores the importance of developers in the mobile industry and highlights how quickly companies must act to capitalize on market changes. If you are a developer looking for new opportunities, you can view Brandon Watson’s Twitter feed here to learn more about joining the Microsoft developer team.
Source: Tech Crunch
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