Mobile Device Platforms '09 - Fragmentation is Here to Stay

Although the market for web-enabled phones has strongly grown during the last years, the fragmentation of software platforms has stayed - none of the players can expect to dominate any major market. Vendors, developers and operators will continue to focus on the few platforms that matter most for their geographical regions – such as Windows Mobile, iPhone OS and Palm in North America, or Symbian and Windows Mobile in Europe. In addition to the various platforms, the number of form factors poses challenges: Most touchscreen phones are good enough systems for web-based applications, while this service delivery approach may not be feasible for smaller-screen devices.

Netbooks are increasingly sold in conjunction with mobile broadband packages – but operators who want to differentiate through applications have yet another OS or browser type to add to their list of platforms. The majority of application downloads continues to be MIDP Java games – a platform that many high-end internet devices do not support. Hence, most operators will continue their strategy of low involvement into mobile software design - only global players with high involvement in device supply chain and retail presence have a business case for commissioning, launching and supporting customized applications for flagship devices. For the majority of operators, generating profits with mobile applications comes through partnerships with companies providing development, testing and sales across various markets, ensuring high quality applications at acceptable cost.