Mobile Application Platforms & Operating Systems - 4th Edition

“The move towards 3.5G+ network technologies brings with it the promise of richer mobile data services and greater operator revenue. However, if this is to be generated, device vendors must balance the incorporation of ever more advanced features with the simplification of device navigation and service discovery.”

This strategic report provides a detailed competitive analysis of key current and future software terminal platforms including operating systems, application platforms, user interfaces, on-portal and off-portal navigation engines and mobile device management.

• Clarifies the current worldwide mobile terminal software market through high-level analysis and detailed case studies of existing terminal software developers, device vendors, operators and standards bodies
• The potential of different terminal software solutions, measured through detailed forecasts of key market segments for 2006-2012
• Unique comparative analysis of all key mobile terminal software technologies, including: RTOSs, open OSs, applications platforms and mobile device management solutions
• Key strengths and weaknesses in the mobile terminal software market by market segment looking key parameters such as hardware requirements, ease of integration, time to market, level of support from developer community, service providers and device vendors

• The effect of single chip technology and reducing smartphone OS costs on the mobile handset OS market
• Open Handset Alliance impact on Linux developers and standardisation initiatives
• Symbian and Microsoft Windows Mobile continued growth
• The changing landscape of the mobile browser market
• The role of the user interface in consumer buying behaviour
• Emerging UI technologies: Widgets and Active Idle Screens
• Evolution of different application platforms and UIs
• Mobile Device management market
• Progress of key JSRs
• Virtual Machine market analysis
• Updated Java and BREW application forecasts
• Updated Java and BREW handset forecasts
• Leading handset vendor mobile handset OS diversification strategies

• Mobile operators:Understand the challenges facing different mobile terminal software developers and be aware of the key differentiators of competing technologies.
• Device vendors and hardware suppliers: Evaluate operators' requirements in terms of terminal software. Assess the potential for industry demand for competing/complementary terminal software technologies. Understand operators' migration strategies
• Mobile terminal software developers: Assess market opportunities in different mobile handset market segments including feature phones and smartphones. Understand how the industry is reacting to ongoing software structure fragmentation challenges
• Application developers: Identify the best opportunities for developing new applications by taking into account the market for different software platforms. Evaluate the cost of application testing, portability and qualification by mobile operators
• Consultants, analysts and the financial industry: Benefit from unique granular forecasts, invaluable case studies, and comprehensive analysis to support sensible recommendations, investments, and business decisions
• Industry bodies and consortiums: Examine the various partnerships between players in the mobile industry value chain

• Nokia
• Motorola
• Samsung
• LG Electronics
• Sony Ericsson
• Kyocera
• NEC
• Research In Motion (RIM)
• High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC)
• Palm Inc
• Apple
• Montavista
• Wind River
• Trolltech
• Android