Microsoft and Research In Motion have reportedly inked a licensing deal in which RIM gets access to Microsoft’s exFAT (extended file allocation table) technology, which will allow certain RIM devices to more easily transfer large files from PCs. For RIM and Microsoft watchers, the technological advantages the agreement will bring — and additional cash flow, in the case of Microsoft — are almost beside the point. Could this be the first step in an acquisition dance? Or is it a defense play in an environment where clear rights to a patent are almost better than cash in the bank?
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Analysts Read Between the Lines of RIM, Microsoft Licensing Deal
Posted by: Erika Morphy September 19, 2012 08:54 AMMicrosoft and Research In Motion have reportedly inked a licensing deal in which RIM gets access to Microsoft’s exFAT (extended file allocation table) technology, which will allow certain RIM devices to more easily transfer large files from PCs. For RIM and Microsoft watchers, the technological advantages the agreement will bring — and additional cash flow, in the case of Microsoft — are almost beside the point. Could this be the first step in an acquisition dance? Or is it a defense play in an environment where clear rights to a patent are almost better than cash in the bank?