I just read this post over at BlackBerryCool (BBC) and I must say, I don’t think Gates is gloating, just stating the obvious. Heck, BBC even knows that last year Microsoft received over half a million Windows Mobile software orders. We’re just now seeing the results.

I still believe the core of Microsoft’s growth is beyond brand recognition, but based more on the transformation of Microsoft as a company. Three key points give Microsoft a serious advantage:

1. Windows Mobile being seen as a lifestyle enhancement tool.
2. New users like familiarity and right out-of-the-box, accessibility.
3. Compatibility: both real and potential, with more products.

So when you see the fruit of Microsoft partnering with Ford, remember that’s Windows Mobile. A lot of attention is on Microsoft Windows Vista, but Vista in this current generation can only go as far as Windows Mobile will allow it to go.

That is why Windows Mobile must be aggressive and why you will see it on every hot device. Add to that, Microsoft holds court with virtually with every handset manufacturer, RIM on the other hand, mostly only has itself.

RIM aside from the awful NTP lawsuit last year, isolates itself from the mobile community by being stingy with its OS and if history has shown us anything, the company may go the same way as Apple in the 80’s.

Expanding to be perceived as “personal” and not just as a business device is great, but for every one BlackBerry that is released, there is a Motorola Q, a Samsung BlackJack, a Palm Treo and it is going to stay that way.

Gates isn’t gloating, so we can’t make him the bad guy. It’s not Bill Gates and his Army of Smartphones versus Blackberry”. The BlackBerry by choice, stands alone against an entire industry.