According to the IDC, Microsoft is still doing well in one of the largest and most important emerging markets, India. Latest figures have Windows Phone at a 5.4% market share, giving Microsoft’s mobile OS a ranking of second most popular OS in that country, ahead of the iPhone and BlackBerry.
This will be the third-consecutive quarter that Windows Phone has held that position in India, meaning this is not a variance.
The IDC commented on the continued growth of Windows Phone in that country, noting that the OS is projected to continue to climb in market share over the coming years. According to Manasi Yadav, Senior Market Analyst, Client Devices, IDC India:
“Windows Phone powered Nokia Lumia devices have achieved a striking growth in their volumes within a very short time since their launch in India. With new Windows Phone devices getting launched at short intervals, we expect them to continue on this growth trajectory”
Nokia of course has been pushing hard in India for the last two years but they have not really hit their stride until 2013, when they were able to release numerous devices at various price ranges. Those devices include Lumia 520, 620, 625, 720, 820, 920 and 925. The Nokia Lumia 1020 is expected to launch there soon too.
Recently, Indian Windows Phone users were treated to an official IRCTC app for train service, which is an exclusive to the platform. State Bank of India (SBI) has also launched an official app and Nokia has teamed up with mobile operators there to offer free or reduced data packages when purchasing a Lumia Windows Phone.
Despite some ongoing tax issues between Nokia and the Indian government, both entities are poised to move forward and forge an agreement. Nokia appears to have grounded its feet in the country and is prepared for long haul growth. Hopefully that 5.4% market share will climb higher to a more poignant 10% or more in 2014.
In related news, Windows Phone recently took the lead in Russia, has had explosive growth in Vietnam and is the second most popular OS in Latin America. Windows Phone's greatest potential appears to be outside of the United States.
Source: IDC, Microsoft; Thanks, Shivam G., for the heads up
