UC
Nokia announced that it will focus on Microsoft Windows Mobile for its devices as it seeks to differentiate itself from Apple and the growing competition from Android-based devices. Nokia’s announcement is remarkable given the widespread deployment of its Symbian operating system, but Symbian has failed to catch on in the U.S. while it faces increasing competitive pressures around the world. With this move Nokia seeks to not only bolster its European market, but also potentially leverage its relationship with Microsoft to expand into North America.
According to the Nemertes 2010/11 Communications and Collaboration benchmark, 38% of organizations are adding or expanding iPhone support for their mobile workers. Meanwhile, a growing number of IT executives tell us they’re looking at adding support for Android-based devices in response to not only consumer demand, but vendors such as Cisco embracing Android for their own enterprise-focused tablets.
Most of the IT leaders I’ve spoken with recently are taking a “wait and see” approach toward Windows Mobile 7, with those implementing Microsoft Lync unified communications platform expressing the most interest in Win7 mobile. Nokia hopes for the same result that competitor Motorola saw when it embraced Android. We’ll know in short time whether or not they will succeed.
