WhatsApp, Mark?
As noted by anyone in the world of tech or finance- Facebook purchased messaging application Whatsapp for 19 BILLION.
Why so much you might ask? Let us be reminded of the phrase Emerging Markets. WhatsApp is used by mobile users in many areas of the world Facebook does not have as active of use or penetration in the market. And IF, and this is an IF that seems to be pointing towards being true, mobile applications have distinct advantage over web-based applications in the immediate future, then indeed WhatsApp is determined to be the NEXT Facebook.
Is Mobile Social the new Wild West? With the way the world is interacting with its mobile use versus its desktop use, there is a case to be made for this being the realm that is the new frontier on the horizon.
One is certain, Mark Zuckerberg wanted to make a statement purchase in this deal. He isn’t just betting he is right by paying 19 billion on this transaction; he is making a move at the market to signal them that they better go his way.
Straight out of the Rupert Murdoch playbook!
He better hope he’s right and didn’t just MySpace himself into a bad deal.