DUBLIN, Ireland—In a further indication of the necessity of closer cooperation between previously fierce rivals, Nokia and Siemens have announced plans to collaborate on mobile terminal software. Open standards is the hot term among mobile handset vendors, and this agreement is expected to lead to much more uniformity among user interfaces for next-generation devices.
Operators realize that they face a stern challenge convincing customers to purchase third-generation (3G) handsets in sufficient quantities without additional concerns over interoperability between handsets on their networks.
The first step in their new relationship will see Nokia and Siemens provide common tools, hopefully creating new market-making opportunities for developers. In addition, Siemens will license the Series 60 software platform and start to further develop the platform together with Nokia. Down the line the companies “intend to define and promote common functionality and features for different mobile terminal platform categories throughout the industry.”
Peter Zapf, president of mobile phones within the Siemens Information and Communication Mobile group, said Siemens and Nokia are inviting other companies to join them in their quest for full interoperability.
Siemens also recently agreed to license Motorola’s handset technology.
