Microsoft and Samsung agree to work together on smartphones

Microsoft and Samsung Electronic have recently agreed to cross-license each other's patent portfolios, which gives Microsoft royalties for the mobile phones and tablets Samsung sells that have the Android operating system, according to The Associated Press.

The two companies will also work together on marketing Microsoft's Windows Phone software, which the company developed to be competitive with Google's Android operating system and Apple's iPhone, says the AP.

The AP reports Microsoft will receive a small amount of money per phone, according to Kirk Mantene, an analyst at Evercore Partners, who also believes that the recent deal between Microsoft and Samsung helps the two companies cover their bases.

Even of the two companies see modest gains through the partnership, they both are receiving exposure and an agreement like this between two companies is always newsworthy information.

"Microsoft and Samsung see the opportunity for dramatic growth in Windows Phone and we’re investing to make that a reality," said Andy Lees, president of the Windows Phone Division for Microsoft. "Microsoft believes in a model where all our partners can grow and profit based on our platform."

Learn More

• Find Your Local Center

Courses You may may be interested in

• Microsoft Exchange Server 2010
• Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
• Microsoft Sharepoint 2010
• Microsoft SharePoint 2007
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008
• Microsoft SQL Server 2005
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2010
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and .NET
• Microsoft Windows 7
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008