Softening Up the Competition: Strategic Implications of Nokia's Decision to Open Up Symbian

Softening Up the Competition: Strategic Implications of Nokia's Decision to Open Up Symbian published by Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute (MIC) in July, 2008. This report consists of 14 pages and the price starts from US $ 1680.

Introduction

In June 2008, Nokia announced that it plans to buy all shares of Symbian it does not already own. In the future, the S60, UIQ, and MOAP interfaces will be integrated into a unified development platform, user interface and development tool. Furthermore, Nokia will transfer the Symbian OS and related patents to the newly established Symbian Foundation and will use the Eclipse Public License 1.0 model for licensing. This report will analyze the strategic implications of Nokia' s takeover of Symbian, and will examine the effect it will have on the future development of the mobile phone industry.

1. Unifying UI and Platform Framework to Improve User Experience

• 1.1 UI Integration to Remove Previously Existing Disparateness
• 1.2 Open Source Model Creates More Room for Third-party Software Companies to Join
• 1.3 New Symbian OS Will Create Friendlier Operating Interfaces

2. Competition between Symbian and Other Platforms

• 2.1 Android to Be First Major Adversary
• 2.2 Symbian to Compete with Microsoft in the Prosumer Segment
• 2.3 Symbian Will Be Hard-pressed to Seriously Challenge Apple and RIM' s Market Position

3. Strategic Implications for the Mobile Phone Industry

• 3.1 Nokia to Enhance Influence of Symbian
• 3.2 Implications for Other Major Mobile Phone Vendors
• 3.3 Providing a New Window of Opportunity for Japanese Vendors to Develop Overseas Markets
• 3.4 Maintaining Core Competitiveness and Product Differentiation Is Key

MIC Perspective

• Figure 1. Worldwide Smartphone Operating System Market Share, 2007

• Table 1. Three Major Operating Systems/Development Platforms and Partner Companies

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