Microsoft has officially joined the mobile wars. While they've always had their Windows Phone platform, it was never quite complete without some hardware to go along with it.

Now with Nokia's arsenal, they will try to take on a market currently being dominated by Apple and Google. But will it have what it takes to compete?

Microsoft Looking More Like Google Now

Microsoft is looking more like Google these days. The latter acquired Motorola, and then gave some advise on device clout and more, and at the same time they have to keep existing partners happy. Surely manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei and HTC aren't as excited about Windows Phone today as they were before.

But again, the question remains: how can Microsoft hope to make future gains with less of the market to work with?

Rising From Asha

Nokia's feature phone business is huge. Microsoft says it wants to use Asha phones as an "on ramp" to Windows Phones.

The Asha phones could play an important role in overseas markets in places like Brazil, India, China and Russia. According to a Nielsen study, these areas were ripe for smartphone growth. There are only two brands that have some clout in those markets; BlackBerry and Nokia.

But comparing Nokia to BlackBerry, it does seem that Nokia is doing a tad better. And because Windows Phone is having better luck, and if Microsoft could come up with some key services that cut across the Asha/Windows Phone divide, it could push the platform even further.