Former Microsoft Corp. executive Juha Christensen dumped his plans for a wireless startup and instead will helm the wireless and mobile devices business of Internet software company Macromedia.
Christensen has long been at the forefront of the wireless industry, first as a co-founder of operating system company Symbian-a joint venture among Nokia Corp., L.M. Ericsson, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and others-and later as head of the mobile devices division of Microsoft, Symbian’s main rival.
Christensen will head all of Macromedia’s wireless and mobile efforts, which include sales of its Flash animation rendering technology to mobile-phone makers, wireless carriers, personal digital assistant makers, set-top box manufacturers and others.
“I spent the last 10 years defining what operating systems were for mobile phones,” Christensen said. “The next 10 years I’d like to explore software that can light up mobile phones.”
Christensen announced he would leave Microsoft in November to start a company focused on creating Web services for wireless devices. Specifically, Christensen said he was working to develop a company that would foster mobile communities and put wireless users in touch with one another. On researching the concept, however, Christensen said he became intrigued with Macromedia’s technology and potential and decided to join the company.
“Certainly, I could have gone ahead with my startup,” Christensen said. However, Macromedia “had technology generally that would make mobile phones much more interesting.”
Christensen said Macromedia’s products will not compete with those from his former employers, Microsoft and Symbian. He said the Macromedia Flash technology is an application technology that sits over the operating system. Christensen also said he doesn’t expect his work history to get in the way of his sales duties at Macromedia-even though Macromedia is selling to companies Christensen once fought against during his tenure at Microsoft. “I have a lot of friends and contacts at Symbian, and also at Nokia,” he said.
Macromedia sells its popular Flash animation and rendering technology to desktop computer users. The company is working to expand into other consumer electronics markets with a modified version of its Flash player. In the wireless space, Macromedia claims deals with Motorola Inc. for its A920 smart phone and with NTT DoCoMo Inc. for its 505i series of mobile phones. Macromedia’s technology for wireless allows developers to create colorful animations, games and software for phone users.
“Juha Christensen brings entrepreneurial leadership, an amazing track record with mobility, and a clear vision to our growing mobile and devices business,” said Rob Burgess, Macromedia’s chairman and chief executive officer. “As the founding president of this important division, Juha will help Macromedia lead the field in delivering innovative and practical solutions for this fast-growing industry.”
