Can Microsoft capitalize on BlackBerry’s failures?

When a competitor falls in the world of retail and services, the survivors scramble to pick up as much market share as possible. BlackBerry faithful may be searching for a new mobile home and the Windows Phone lineup might be poised for a win.

The folks at Microsoft’s Windows Phone unit may not publicly admit it, but they’re likely jumping for joy today.

That’s because Windows Phone’s closest competitor, BlackBerry, has essentially throw in the towel. The company on Monday said it had agreed on a $4.7 billion deal that would take it private, while continuing its shift away from the consumer smartphone market.