ABI Research said that 2013 is set to be a “relative success” for both Microsoft and BlackBerry as they attempt to bolster their position, creating user bases large enough to keep developers interested in supporting the platforms.

According to Aapo Markkanen, senior analyst with the firm: “The greatest fear for both Microsoft and BlackBerry is that the initial sales of their smartphones will disappoint and thereby kill off the developer interest, which then would effectively close the window of opportunity on further sales success.”

ABI is anticipating that at the end of the year there will be 45 million Windows Phone devices in use, with BlackBerry 10 having an installed base of close to 20 million. Microsoft will also have 5.5-million Windows-powered tablets under its belt.

“Our view is that the installed bases of this scale would be large enough to keep these two in the game. It will definitely also help that both firms have actively kept the developers’ interest in mind while designing and rolling out their platforms,” Markkanen said.

The market will still be dominated by Android and iOS, with 57 percent of the 1.4 billion installed smartphone base running the Google platform and 21 percent Apple’s.

There will also be 268 million tablets in use, with 62 percent using iOS and 28 percent Android.