Activate Email 
INDUSTRIES
August 05, 2008
Report: New Entrants in Mobile Internet Device Market will Drive Growth of Linux
By Jyothi Shanbhag, TMCnet Contributor
In a recent report, ABI Research (News - Alert) predicted that three companies — Mobiln, LiMo and Maemo — are poised to take the lion’s share of the mobile Internet devices (MID) market for Linux OS. The firm projected that, overall, Linux will capture 50 million units per year by 2013.
The MID market presents a rare “green field” for Linux, ABI said in its report, "Bringing License-Free Operating Systems to Smartphones and Middle-Tier Devices."
“Maemo is already in this space thanks to the patronage of Nokia (News - Alert); Moblin will benefit from tight integration with Atom and Intel’s drive; and LiMo is actively being positioned for this market,” said ABI analyst Stuart Carlaw. “The flexibility, customization and very positive cost comparison to Windows Mobile looks set to ensure that Linux takes the leading role in this market.”
ABI also predicted that Linux will soon be the top-selling operating system in the mobile Internet device market.
Linux OS facilitates a converged platform that can extend over multiple device segments — smartphones and mid-tier devices included. These two categories in particular are of interest to LiMo and potentially Moblin as well.
Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users. Today’s featured white paper is Jim Cossetta, President, CEO, 4What Interactive, Creators of The VoIPTrainer, brought to you by 4What Interactive (News - Alert).
Jyothi Shanbhag is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Jyothi’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
