Did Microsoft's Nokia purchase just put the final nail in BlackBerry's coffin?

My patience with and passion to use Microsoft's Windows Phone products, which began in 2010 and continues today with the fantastic Nokia Lumia 1020 looks to be paying off as Microsoft finally purchases Nokia's devices and services unit.

Given the rising popularity of Windows Phone, recently passing up BlackBerry to take third place, I think this purchase may be the final nail in BlackBerry's coffin.

Nokia already has over 80 percent of the Windows Phone market so it is no surprise that Microsoft would make this move and ensure that Nokia remains the top Windows Phone maker. There has been speculation in the past that Microsoft might purchase BlackBerry to try to become the choice for mobile in the enterprise. I think we can all forget about any possible Microsoft purchase of BlackBerry at this time and as the unique parts of BlackBerry go away, such as taking BBM to iOS and Android, there really is no reason for Microsoft to consider them.

BlackBerry used to rule the enterprise and was able to do so in large part because they controlled the hardware, software, and backend servers. With Nokia now a part of Microsoft and making the hardware along with providing the software and Exchange servers, Microsoft is making a case as the enterprise choice for mobile.

We all know Windows RT has not been successful, but with Nokia rumored to be making a Windows RT device and their expertise making Lumia phones we may see some success between the phone and laptops/desktop that the BlackBerry PlayBook never could achieve. Microsoft, with Nokia, needs to advertise and promote their consistent hardware and ecosystem approach to both the enterprise and consumers with much more zeal than they have before.

Nokia has been launching some amazing Lumia products across the entire pricing spectrum and Windows Phone offers enterprise customers the ability to have a phone that functions similarly to Windows 8 computers. People have blasted Windows 8's inability to gain popularity over the last several months, but you have to remember that business don't upgrade as fast as consumers and I know my company is still moving a few computers from XP to Windows 7.

One area people always slam Windows Phone is in the applications, but as Microsoft gets serious about hardware with Nokia we also read in their strategy deck that they are serious about applications and will make an even stronger push in this area. It is definitely the start of something exciting for Windows Phone fans.

As Windows Phone 8 gains market share and consumers start getting used to the interface I think there will be more of a comfort level as these consumers get Windows 8 on their computers at work. I personally love Windows 8 on my Surface Pro and can't wait for the 8.1 update coming this fall.

This Microsoft purchase of Nokia gives me a sense of relief as I continue to use my Nokia Lumia 1020 since I am more confident in seeing regular updates and long term support for Nokia Windows Phone hardware.

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• Microsoft to buy Nokia's devices, services unit for $7.2B
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• Elop drops Nokia CEO role to lead devices team under Microsoft deal
• Five reasons I dropped my iPhone 5 for a Nokia Lumia 1020
• IDC: Windows Phone sees largest year-over-year increase, Android still dominates