
Mobile Application Platforms & Operating Systems - 4th edition
Worldwide market Analysis, Strategic Outlook & Forecasts to 2012
Published: February 2008
The move towards 3.5G+ network technologies brings with it the promise of richer mobile data services and greater operator revenue. However, if this is to be generated, device vendors must balance the incorporation of ever more advanced features with the simplification of device navigation and service discovery.
This strategic report provides a detailed competitive analysis of key current and future software terminal platforms including operating systems, application platforms, user interfaces, on-portal and off-portal navigation engines and mobile device management.
Key Coverage
- Clarifies the current worldwide mobile terminal software market through high-level analysis and detailed case studies of existing terminal software developers, device vendors, operators and standards bodies
- The potential of different terminal software solutions, measured through detailed forecasts of key market segments for 2006-2012
- Unique comparative analysis of all key mobile terminal software technologies, including: RTOSs, open OSs, applications platforms and mobile device management solutions
- Key strengths and weaknesses in the mobile terminal software market by market segment looking key parameters such as hardware requirements, ease of integration, time to market, level of support from developer community, service providers and device vendors
Market Data
- Clarifies the current worldwide mobile terminal software market through high-level analysis and detailed case studies of existing terminal software developers, device vendors, operators and standards bodies
- The potential of different terminal software solutions, measured through detailed forecasts of key market segments for 2006-2012
- Wireless data usage and revenues for interpreted applications and detailed regional forecasts of key technologies, including: Java and BREW
Forecasts
- Worldwide and regional forecasts for basic phones, feature phones, and smartphones
- Worldwide and regional forecasts for sales of handset devices powered by proprietary OSs and different open OSs including Symbian, Microsoft, and Linux
- Worldwide and regional forecasts for sales of handset devices powered by different application platforms including Java, BREW, Flash Lite and i-mode
- Worldwide and regional forecasts for wireless data traffic and revenues for interpreted application environment (e.g. Java, BREW)
- Worldwide forecasts for Java handsets sales by configuration and profile (e.g. CLDC 1.0, CLDC1.1, MIDP 1.0, CDC, MIDP2.0 and MIDP3.0)
- Worldwide forecasts for mobile browsers including third party solutions versus in-house solutions
- Worldwide forecasts for java virtual machine solutions including third party solutions versus in-house solutions
Key Issues Addressed
- The effect of single chip technology and reducing smartphone OS costs on the mobile handset OS market
- Open Handset Alliance impact on Linux developers and standardisation initiatives
- Symbian and Microsoft Windows Mobile continued growth
- The changing landscape of the mobile browser market
- The role of the user interface in consumer buying behaviour
- Emerging UI technologies: Widgets and Active Idle Screens
- Evolution of different application platforms and UIs
- Mobile Device management market
- Progress of key JSRs
- Virtual Machine market analysis
- Updated Java and BREW application forecasts
- Updated Java and BREW handset forecasts
- Leading handset vendor mobile handset OS diversification strategies
Countries / Sectors / Companies Covered
- Nokia
- Motorola
- Samsung
- LG Electronics
- Sony Ericsson
- Kyocera
- NEC
- Research In Motion (RIM)
- High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC)
- Palm Inc
- Apple
- Montavista
- Wind River
- Trolltech
- Android
Who should read this report
- Mobile operators
Understand the challenges facing different mobile terminal software developers and be aware of the key differentiators of competing technologies. - Device vendors and hardware suppliers
Evaluate operators’ requirements in terms of terminal software. Assess the potential for industry demand for competing/complementary terminal software technologies. Understand operators’ migration strategies - Mobile terminal software developers
Assess market opportunities in different mobile handset market segments including feature phones and smartphones. Understand how the industry is reacting to ongoing software structure fragmentation challenges - Application developers
Identify the best opportunities for developing new applications by taking into account the market for different software platforms. Evaluate the cost of application testing, portability and qualification by mobile operators - Consultants, analysts and the financial industry
Benefit from unique granular forecasts, invaluable case studies, and comprehensive analysis to support sensible recommendations, investments, and business decisions - Industry bodies and consortiums
Examine the various partnerships between players in the mobile industry value chain





