As a follow-up to our last blog post about Lenovo buying the Motorola cell product line from Google I want to expand on the implications of the Lenovo acquisition activity. 
Lenovo recently also acquired the x86 level of server products from IBM, an extension of their original purchase of the Thinkpad and workstation product lines several years ago. Since the initial purchases Lenovo has been able to establish themselves as the number one hardware vendor in the workstation and laptop computer field.
Tech Republic has recently speculated that with Lenovo's enterprise experience in the computer hardware business, its ability to expand its server business with the IBM purchase and the leverage of being able to offer cell capability as well, it might be one of the factors to finally make the Android operating system an enterprise level focus.
One thought I have is when you combine this Lenovo potential with Samsung's strong smart phone presence, unmatched display,monitor and laptop capabilities along with their print hardware you now have at least two vertically integrated IT tech manufacturers who are trying to penetrate the market with multiple products across some growth market groups.
It appears that Lenovo understands what some other brands have been reluctant to acknowledge until recently. Sticking to one area of hardware will eventually be a problem given the rapid move of computing power and use to more easily transported mobile platforms. Lenovo's acquisitions appear to show that they are taking the steps needed to move ahead on a broad basis.
For example Microsoft was slow to acknowledge this move and is playing catch up to other players with its Windows 8.1 and new mobile platforms. MS has been accused of abandoning their PC base due to the significant swing of the Windows 8.1 interface to a more touch friendly design. The move reflects a need for Microsoft to become more of a presence in the mobile OS field which is dominated currently by Apple iOS and Google Android.
The kinds of shifts and turns of the components of the tech field are hard to keep track of, but in the end they will dictate much of what will be available to consumers and business customers of IT related products in the next couple of years.
Given Lenovo's strength and ability to take advantage of iconic brands shown by their exploitation of the 'Think" brand acquired from IBM and now being expanded with a stronger server offering the acquisition of a solid and recognized North American cell brand will help them expand their offerings. Of course they have already become a cell player in their home markets but introducing a whole new name into the field in North America given the highly competitive leap frog nature of this segment of the market would have been a real challenge.
As the big market players make their billion dollar bets on which way the market will swing it can be challenging for buyers to make choices beyond the norm. Being able to combine the choices with companies who have offer successful components in other areas of tech acquisitions can make this easier.
Will Lenovo continue to grow its share of market? How about Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP and others? Hard to pick the next winner?
Lee K
Photo Credit: Images from Lenovo, Motorola
