One thing Microsoft delivers, that Google hasn’t yet done successfully, is an established microeconomy, which they delivers via their existing Points platform. Sure, those that haven’t played Xbox or owned a Zune may not realize it, but Microsoft baked a payment system into it’s ecosystem a long time ago. It’s carrier independent, like Apple’s, and would open up all the existing content already purchased to WP7-powered devices. And while some would argue it’s not iTunes, the reality is that both co-exist today, with Microsoft points potentially being more appealing to the valuable first smart phone buyer demographic. And, as it so happens, this highly coveted target market is dominated by a large number of teen males already deeply entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem via their Xboxes. The sheer number of users already buying points and content is not something to be discounted, or easily dismissed, in the new “three horse” smart phone race.

What’s even more promising is how this may finally bring the rich but disparate pieces of the existing Nokia ecosystem to great prominence by increasing their accessibility, while provide Nokia with a better chance for monetization, through centralized clearly platforms for applications and content. While not yet fully formed, the idea of combining ecosystems has been front and center in discussions on integration. That in and of itself is already quite promising.