|
Newsletters
|
|
|
|
|
Nokia versus Microsoft: The OS Market War
Posted by WDN (editors@wirelessdevnet.com), June 20, 2003
CEDAR KNOLLS, NJ, June 20, 2003 - The quest for domination of the mobile terminal operating systems (OS) market will be led by Symbian and everybody's favorite archrival, Microsoft, according to analyst firm Probe Group. Probe's just-published forecast of mobile handsets indicates that Symbian and Microsoft will lead all other OS vendors with 5% and 2.5% of the global market, respectively, by 2007. Linux could be positioned for a surge in Asian markets, particularly China.
Probe research director David Chamberlain suggests that the developments and changes that have occurred in the overall wireless Internet world, as well as in the way the market has shaped up for these advanced handsets, support this assertion. Among the significant changes in the past year are:
- Continued delays in the rollout of 3G networks
- Decline in global personal digital assistant (PDA) sales
- Release of Windows-powered Smartphone 2002 devices by Orange in the U.K., which was offset by the defection of handset vendors once committed to the new Microsoft OS
- Announcement by Motorola of its commitment to a new line of Linux + Java handsets
- The acquisition of faltering Handspring by Palm, rescuing the company after its decision to produce only its PalmOS Treo Communicators
While there are strong currents in the Nokia/Microsoft war, Chamberlain believes that Nokia (and, therefore, Symbian) has the benefit of having observed from a safe distance the PC wars of the 1990s and had time to analyze Microsoft's role in the decline of the branded PC. "It is from that perspective that Symbian will be able to forestall-but not entirely prevent-Microsoft from accomplishing the same result in the mobile handset world."
Chamberlain also suggested that the ultimate success of Symbian or Microsoft will not be at the expense of Palm, RIM or Linux (and Microsoft PocketPC as well). These rival operating systems will continue to serve their small core of techno-savvy users who want more than a phone but less than a laptop while away from their desks. "The ultimate outcome will be a result of political and commercial decisions, not the technical superiority of one OS or another. The key battle in the global handset market will come when Symbian and Smartphone begin to reach down to the proletarian handsets used by ordinary consumers."
In the latest Wireless Internet Services and Networks report, "Mobile Terminal Operating Systems," Probe examines the global demand for advanced handset operating systems such as PalmOS, Symbian, Microsoft Smartphone and Linux. The report forecasts global sales and market penetration by each OS through 2007. Market drivers, disruptions, inhibitors and obstacles affecting the market are also discussed.
About Probe Group LLC
For over 26 years Probe has leveraged its unique insights and extensive experience in both the traditional world of telecommunications and the burgeoning world of data and packet networks to offer clients sound counsel and realistic market forecasts. Probe has successfully maneuvered clients through changes in demand, demographic shifts, introduction and evolution of new technologies and platforms, industry structure transformations and financial market volatility. Probe provides clients with expert guidance through continuous research services, consulting projects, retainer programs and a variety of other direct analyst-access services.
Related Weblinks:
www.nena.org
News-wireless home
Does your company have breaking news, a solution, event, or scoop that WDN should know about?
Send details to editors@wirelessdevnet.com
|
|
|
