Nokia to Acquire Linux Mobile OS Developer Trolltech
In a very interesting move by the Finnish rubber boot-maker turned mobile giant, Nokia has officially announced the acquisition of mobile-OS developer Trolltech ASA. Nokia and Trolltech have entered into an agreement that has been voted on and accepted by the majority of Trolltech shareholders and as such, the deal is done. Strange perhaps that the company currently responsible for the most popular smartphone OS in the world would acquire a mobile Linux developer. Nokia’s claim via press release is that the acquisition will "enable Nokia to accelerate its cross-platform software strategy for mobile devices and desktop applications, and develop its Internet services business." Becoming an internet company has been a strategy that Nokia has not been shy about in recent history and the Trolltech deal is apparently viewed as a major step in that direction. Trolltech’s technology will help Nokia build applications that work across mobile and PC platforms as well as on the internet. Existing cross-platform layers Web runtime, Flash, Java and Open C are cited as inspiration for their intentions. Despite the fact that Executive VP, Devices Kai Öistämö dropped the W-bomb ("Web 2.0") in his quote, the goal of furthering innovation and enhancing value-added development through this merger is certainly noble. Despite the management change, Nokia will continue to support and develop Trolltech’s product line including QTopia and Qt-based technology. As an aside, pretty much each and every one of our inside sources at Nokia gave the announcement a resounding "WTF?!?", especially those in various software development departments. As another aside, we’ve read a few posts purporting that this move means that Nokia may be planning to ditch Symbian in favor of a Linux brand of OS based on Trolltech’s QTopia (hence the mocking image above). Ummm, no.
On Jan 28, 2008 @ 3:57 pm, Blur Said:
I don’t think Nokia is going to drop Symbian as a result of this purchase. That is just too radical of a move to drop a well establish, stable platform for an open, scalable OS that isn’t proven in this particular market space.
It is a REALLY good move by Nokia if you follow their N8×0 series of Internet Tablets. That portion of the Nokia user community is seemingly pretty excited about the purchase.
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On Jan 28, 2008 @ 5:04 pm, Galvatron Said:
an n95 toking the penguin now that would be sweet
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On Jan 28, 2008 @ 9:04 pm, yaromir Said:
I think it’s a very strategic move by Nokia. Here is some background info on Trolletch:
- Motorola’s most successful Linux smartphone Ming is based on Trolltech’s QTopia
- Sony Mylo also runs QTopia
- Trolltech is a member of LiMo Foundation, which develops mobile Linux and which is led by NTT DoCoMo.
So, first of all, Nokia could use Trolletech’s expertise to further enhance its N8xx Internet Tablet.
Second, they could try to emulate Motorola’s success with Ming in China, by introducing QTopia-based Nokia smartphone Ning for instance.
Third, if they do continue the development of Trolltech’s products and support of new and existing customers, as they stated in the press release, then they could become involved in LiMo’s activities, be-friend with DoCoMo and maybe cook some Linux phone for Japan as well. Also, if Google’s OHA/Android and LiMo decide to collaborate in future, Nokia will be there keeping fingers on the pulse…
Just my 2 cents.
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On Jan 28, 2008 @ 10:05 pm, ohmy Said:
ya tablet pc wisei can understand the move but ato even remotely ditch symbian….no way that will happen.
just a wait n see approach until we more info on it
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On Jan 31, 2008 @ 5:33 pm, Kunikos Said:
As long as they don’t screw with QT I don’t mind what their plans are.
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