Intel, Nokia join forces on Linux and X86: Strategy Analytics

BOSTON, USA: Responding to the technology collaboration between Nokia and Intel, the Strategy Analytics Handset Component Technologies service report, “Intel and Nokia Join Forces on Linux” reveals that this will have minimal impact on smartphone software platform players and silicon vendors in the short-to-medium term; but long-term implications could hit several companies if this partnership turns out to be successful.

The report analyzes the potential implications to handset silicon vendors and software platform vendors based on the limited initial announcement.

Stuart Robinson, Director of the company’s Handset Component Technologies service, commented: “While this partnership is a big boost to open source and Linux, it also threatens to fragment mobile Linux further. Strategy Analytics believes that Nokia’'s choice of its own Maemo platform over Google Android was purely a matter of “control.” Strategy Analytics sees a challenge for Nokia to develop a new ecosystem for its revamped Linux platform.”

Sravan Kundojjala, Analyst on the Handset Component Technologies service, adds: “Intel'’s collaboration with the handset market leader Nokia threatens several companies including ARM, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Samsung, Renesas, Marvell and ST-Ericsson. However, in the short-to-medium term, we don'’t expect Intel and Nokia to come up with smartphones based on Intel architecture.”