Tech Companies
SHARE
Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp

A Dangerous Move for Microsoft?

OK, so Microsoft has purchased Danger for a half-billion dollars, a company best known for developing the Sidekick, a T-Mobile PDA loved by the likes of Paris Hilton and a multitude of other celebrity wannabes. The big question is, Why? The Sidekick runs a proprietary OS (not a flavor of Windows Mobile!), does not synchronize […]

Written By
thumbnail Frank Ohlhorst
Frank Ohlhorst
Feb 13, 2008
Channel Insider content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

OK, so Microsoft has purchased Danger for a half-billion dollars, a company best known for developing the Sidekick, a T-Mobile PDA loved by the likes of Paris Hilton and a multitude of other celebrity wannabes. The big question is, Why?

The Sidekick runs a proprietary OS (not a flavor of Windows Mobile!), does not synchronize with Microsoft applications (it only offers wireless synchronization back to T-Mobile’s hosted e-mail and calendars) and offers no connectivity to the Windows OS, not even by Bluetooth, USB or infrared!

So what is the attraction that Microsoft has for Danger?

Arguably, perhaps it’s Microsoft’s way to take on Google, with its Android operating system, or it’s a way for Microsoft to chase down the iPhone (a very slim chance there). But, perhaps it is another reason altogether — access to the consumer market. Right now, Microsoft’s mobile offerings (in the form of Windows Mobile) is really aimed at business users. With the addition of Danger, Microsoft now has an in to the consumer market and a wireless carrier to work with, T-Mobile.

Only time will tell if this move makes any sense for Microsoft, but I for one intend to keep an eye on the evolution of this marriage, just to see where Microsoft winds up!

thumbnail Frank Ohlhorst

Recommended for you...

thumbnail June Roundup: M&A Moves Across the Shifting Channel Landscape
Tech Companies
June Roundup: M&A Moves Across the Shifting Channel Landscape
Jordan Smith
Jul 7, 2025
thumbnail Leadership Roundup: New CEOs Highlight June Moves
Tech Companies
Leadership Roundup: New CEOs Highlight June Moves
Jordan Smith
Jul 2, 2025
thumbnail Workspan AI Looks to Solve Channel Ecosystem Complexity
Tech Companies
Workspan AI Looks to Solve Channel Ecosystem Complexity
Victoria Durgin
Jun 25, 2025
thumbnail May Roundup: Mergers and Acquisitions From Around the Channel
Tech Companies
May Roundup: Mergers and Acquisitions From Around the Channel
Jordan Smith
Jun 2, 2025
Channel Insider Logo

Channel Insider combines news and technology recommendations to keep channel partners, value-added resellers, IT solution providers, MSPs, and SaaS providers informed on the changing IT landscape. These resources provide product comparisons, in-depth analysis of vendors, and interviews with subject matter experts to provide vendors with critical information for their operations.

facebook
linkedin
youtube
rss
spotify
x

Company

About us Contact us Advertise with us

Categories

Channel Business Security AI Infrastructure Lists & Awards Resources

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

Terms of Service Privacy Policy California - Do Not Sell My Information