Google and open source: Viva la difference

Differentiation, finally!
Google’s announcement that its mobile play will consist of an open-source software platform highlights the division in industry between featuring content on the carrier’s deck and the benefits and risks of taking it off-deck. The editorial staff at RCR Wireless News was just as excited about which companies were not part of the open-source program as those that decided to join.
In the carrier space, No. 1 and No. 2 carriers AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless are not embracing the Open Handset Alliance at this point (but Verizon Wireless said it has not completely ruled it out in the future.) The smaller operators, Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA Inc., are members.
Likewise for handset vendors: The world’s largest handset manufacturer, Nokia, said no, as did Sony Ericsson. Both Nokia and Ericsson (the world’s No. 1 infrastructure provider and a joint-venture partner in Sony Ericsson) have a heritage of steering the direction of the wireless industry, perhaps even more than any single operator. It may not be in either company’s DNA to play the follower.
In contrast, Motorola and HTC were key speakers in the press conference announcing the platform. Motorola already has shown it embraces open-source solutions by trying to incorporate the Linux operating system into its handsets. HTC is getting more aggressive in the United States-and is still very much a partner with Microsoft Corp., it will remind you-but is not big enough a handset maker to pose a threat yet.
Viva la difference, I say. Operators that are doing a good job of keeping users on their decks, like Verizon Wireless with its branded navigation service or AT&T through its Apple iPhone, should continue to play to their strengths.
But there is room for another model, and operators that are willing to do so may find an ecosystem that embraces a more open model pleasing.