S60 software on Symbian OS chosen as a preferred software
platform
Espoo, Finland, October 04, 2006 - Nokia Corporation today
announced collaboration with Orange to facilitate device customisation and
strengthen the role of S60 devices in Orange's device portfolio.
The focus of the collaboration is to create an Orange
specific software package to complement S60 software on Symbian OS and to
accelerate the Orange device customisation process. This will in turn help S60
device manufacturers, who will benefit from greater cost efficiency and shorter
time-to-market. Joint activities will include creating synergies between S60
and Orange roadmaps, and testing Orange specific software assets and application
development in cooperation with the Orange Partner organisation and Forum
Nokia, Nokia's global developer program.
"This announcement is part of Orange's ongoing
Signature strategy, which is aimed at delivering a consistent customer
experience across our range of devices," said Yves Maitre, Vice President,
Devices, Orange. "By working with Nokia and S60 on Symbian OS we plan to
bring increased consistency and efficiency to our signature customisation
process. This benefits both handset manufactures and customers through an
enhanced service experience and faster time to market."
"The collaboration is an example of the depth of our
relationship with Orange," said Matti Vänskä, Vice President, Mobile
Software Sales and Marketing, Nokia. "It also demonstrates S60 software's
ability to respond to various market requirements and further strengthens S60
software's position in the market. At the same time it reinforces the role of
S60 software on Symbian OS for device creation and enables innovation from
software developers."
According to Canalys research (July, 2006), S60 is the clear
leader in smartphone software with over 50% market share globally. Nokia alone
has cumulatively shipped more than 70 million S60 enabled devices. To date, 44
devices based on S60 and Symbian OS have been launched, 15 of which are based
on S60 3rd Edition.
About S60
The S60 built on Symbian OS is the leading smartphone
software in the world and is licensed by some of the foremost mobile phone
manufacturers in the market. The flexibility of the S60 software allows for
various hardware designs and software configurations. This is demonstrated
through the multitude of S60 devices already available on the market. Through
its award-winning user interface, extensive support for new mobile services and
the innovation potential for partner solutions, the S60 provides an open and
scalable business opportunity for mobile operators and 3rd party developers.
For further information about S60 news and community, please visit www.s60.com.
About Orange
Orange is a key brand of the France Telecom Group, one of
the world's leading telecommunications operators with 149 million customers on
five continents.
In June, 2006, as part of the France Telecom Group
integrated operator strategy (NExT programme) to deliver simple, convergent
products, Orange became the single brand for mobile, broadband and multiplay
offers in France, the United Kingdom and The Netherlands, strengthening
Orange's position as the number two mobile and internet services brand in
Europe. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new banner for
business communications solutions and services. Orange Business Services is
present in 166 countries and territories and serves customers in 220.
The France Telecom Group has 23 mobile and nine internet
operations across the world. At July 27, 2006, the group had 88.6 million
mobile customers, and 11.9 million internet customers.
Further information about Orange can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.com.
Source: Nokia press release
