Linux gains support in mobile communications

Recent developments are further evidence of the growing acceptance of Linux in the mobile communications space.

Notably, Nokia announced that it has joined the nonprofit Linux Foundation (LF), reportedly to work with the LF on Linux-based technologies, including the Nokia Internet Tablet, in a vendor-neutral environment.

The company has also released an SDK, which extends S60 to the open source and Linux communities.

Despite Nokia's strong support of Symbian, the company has prior experience working with Linux.

Nokia used Linux as the foundation of its Internet Tablets, choosing to drive all development of the devices in-house.

According to a Nokia spokesperson, the company does not plan to abandon the Symbian platform for its handhelds, but IMS Research views Nokia's support of the LF and its release of a Linux-friendly SDK as a growing acceptance and integration of Linux alongside Symbian.

"Based on what we have been told by our contacts in the industry, Nokia's choice to further support Linux is representative of a shift to Linux as a whole", commented IMS Research Senior Analyst Alison Bogle.

"While Nokia has chosen Linux in the past, for example as the foundation of its Internet Tablets, this further backing of the platform is a defensive move, and a good one at that".

"Any company that is not currently making efforts to address Linux in the handset space will be behind the curve".

IMS Research firmly believes that Linux will see strong adoption in the handset space, based on the strength of the players that are currently supporting it, such as Motorola and NTT DoCoMo, in addition to those organisations that plan to address it in the near future.

Also, the success of Linux in markets such as China and Japan will further drive Linux adoption.

IMS Research has recently released a new Market Insights study: "The impact of cellular Linux", which examines the potential for Linux as a mobile OS in all handset tiers: smartphone, feature rich and basic feature.

The report also discusses the mobile Linux ecosystem as well as the advantages and disadvantages of Linux as a cellular OS.

Back to top