Sign in Subscribe
Software industry

Microsoft, Intel, and Nokia Revamp Mobile Technologies Amid Increased Competition

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft Corp. and its partners have made major moves to revamp their mobile technologies in response to growing competition from Apple Inc. and Google Inc. Last week, Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 7 Series (WP7), an operating system designed to compete with the iPhone and Android. Meanwhile, Intel Corp. and Nokia Corp. jointly announced the Linux-based MeeGo mobile operating system. Analysts note that each of the companies has had to make a significant splash to remain competitive in the rapidly changing smartphone market.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has released Windows Phone 7 Series (WP7), an operating system designed to compete with the iPhone and Android. WP7 will be available in time for the 2010 holiday shopping season and will be running on smartphones from various carriers worldwide, including AT&T Inc. in the U.S.
  • The MeeGo software, developed by Intel and Nokia, combines features from Intel's Moblin and Nokia's Maemo mobile operating systems. MeeGo will be available in the second half of this year.
  • Analysts note that Microsoft has had to take aggressive action to regain its credibility as a mobile software vendor after multiple missteps. The company faces significant competition from well-established mobile operating systems and may struggle to win over both consumers and enterprise users.
  • Microsoft's focus on consumer features, such as the "hubs" feature, may alienate its traditional base of corporate users, who will have to redesign and redeploy their mobile apps to utilize the new platform.
  • Analysts suggest that enterprise users may find more attractive alternatives to WP7, potentially leading to a decline in Windows Mobile 6.5 usage.
  • Gartner Inc. analyst Ken Dulaney has raised concerns about Microsoft's unclear future for its Windows Mobile 6.5 software, warning that enterprise IT shops and users may need to consider "end-of-life" strategies for existing Windows Mobile devices.

Statistics:

  • 2010 holiday shopping season: WP7 will be available in time for this season.
  • Second half of this year: MeeGo will be available.
  • 15% to 25%: Market share of smartphones running Windows Mobile OS.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft admits it 'screwed up with Windows Mobile': The company is shuffling its mobile operating system unit, its CEO said yesterday. Microsoft has to make big impacts on the smartphone market" by Gloster on Contify.com
  • "Analysis: Microsoft's WP7, what a mess... - ZDNet"
  • Euclid Infotech
  • J.Gold Associates LLC - Jack Gold
  • Gartner Inc. - Ken Dulaney

Read more