Microsoft Nook Deal: Winners & Losers (Update 1)

Barnes & Noble CEO William Lynch was excited about the deal, as it expands the NOOK's customer base. "Microsoft's investment in Newco, and our exciting collaboration to bring world-class digital reading technologies and content to the Windows platform and its hundreds of millions of users, will allow us to significantly expand the business," Lynch said in the press release.

"NOOK has several years runway, and it gives Barnes & Noble more money to keep going and keep fighting," said one hedge fund analyst, who wished to remain anonymous.

Microsoft: Winner

Apple dominates the tablet space, selling new iPads as fast as it can make them. Microsoft wants a piece of this action.

The software giant's $300 million investment breathes new life into Barnes & Noble, while getting Microsoft closer to a company already established in the tablet market.

The partnership starts off with a NOOK app for Windows 8, but there is the potential for much more. The NOOK runs on a modified version of Google's(GOOG) Android operating system, and there's the possibility for Microsoft to bring Windows 8 to the NOOK, thought that may not happen soon.