Open Source Software: small note, huge implications as Intel and Nokia merge software

Intel and Nokia have, independently, been working on lightweight software to run a variety of applications. But until now, there has been little to urge Intel into the mobile arena and Nokia have no (present) intention to up their phones into fully fledged computing devices even though there seems a surprisingly short distance to go in the case of some models.

The reality is that convergence between mobile phones and computing is happening on multiple fronts: users sitting in coffee shops using their laptops to make VoIP calls - and VoIP / WiFi capacity on mobile phones demonstrates that there are fewer user-driven barriers than there are supplier objections.

Add to the mix plug in GSM cards which obviate the need to carry a mobile, and widescreen phones with e-mail capacity, comprehensive PDAs and even the ability to run WP and presentation software and the borders are so blurred that the primary difference now seems to be whether one wants to carry a backpack or drop a device in one's pocket.

Then put Google into the mix with its Android OS for phones and the expected merging, at least to a degree, with Chrome OS and the Chrome browser (which is based on Safari with the good and bad that that entails).

Who has most to lose from all of this? The answer, if one excludes Microsoft whose phone-based OS is under serious threat, are two companies: Nokia as market leaders in phones and Intel as (disputed) market leaders in chips.

For years, the Microsoft / Intel cartel (oops, mustn't call it that - we immediately withdraw that word) dominated the desktop PC - and it's still the same: it's difficult to buy a branded PC or laptop with an Intel chip but no Windows installed - and charged for.

So for Intel, a link with Nokia is so obvious, it's a wonder it's not happened before.

The companies made a joint announcement today. It says they will "merge Moblin and Maemo to create MeeGo*, a Linux-based software platform that will support multiple hardware architectures across the broadest range of device segments, including pocketable mobile computers, netbooks, tablets, mediaphones, connected TVs and in-vehicle infotainment systems."

It's not new: Moblin has been around, within Intel, for some time but it's never really found an outlet. Maemo has been an outlet that lacked punch. Together, however, they become a package in an advanced stage of development.

According to the statement: - MeeGo offers the Qt application development environment, and builds on the capabilities of the Moblin core operating system and reference user experiences. Using Qt, developers can write once to create applications for a variety of devices and platforms, and market them through Nokia's Ovi Store and Intel AppUpSM Center. - MeeGo will be hosted by the Linux Foundation and governed using the best practices of the open source development model. The first release of MeeGo is expected in the second quarter of 2010 with devices launching later in the year. - Nokia and Intel expect MeeGo to be adopted widely by global device manufacturers, network operators, semiconductor companies, software vendors and developers.

And, somewhat gushingly, it goes on as shown below.

In the real world, what it means, is that there will be significant push towards all-in-one devices as the supporting software and services become available. The primary limiting factors will be ergonomic: the keyboard and screen remain the weak links in future integration.

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This announcement strengthens the Nokia and Intel relationship, and builds on the companies' broad strategic collaboration announced in June 2009. Intel and Nokia now invite participation in MeeGo from existing Maemo and Moblin global communities and across the communications and computing industries.

"Our vision for seamlessly communicating between computing devices from the home, auto, office or your pocket is taking a big step forward today with the introduction of MeeGo," said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini. "This is a foundational step in our evolving relationship with Nokia. The merging of these two important assets into an open source platform is critical toward providing a terrific experience across a variety of devices and gaining cross-industry support."

"MeeGo will drive an even wider range of Internet computing and communication experiences for consumers, on new types of mobile devices," said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, CEO, Nokia. "Through open innovation, MeeGo will create an ecosystem that is second to none, drawing in players from different industries. It will support a range of business models across the value chain, building on the experience and expertise of Nokia, Intel and all those who will join us. Simply put, MeeGo heralds a new era of mobile computing."

MeeGo blends the best of Maemo with the best of Moblin to create an open platform for multiple processor architectures. MeeGo builds on the capabilities of the Moblin core OS and its support for a wide range of device types and reference user experiences, combined with the momentum of Maemo in the mobile industry and the broadly adopted Qt application and UI framework for software developers.

MeeGo also unites the robust worldwide Maemo and Moblin applications ecosystems and open source communities. For developers, MeeGo extends the range of target device segments for their applications. Using Qt for application development means that they can write applications once and easily deploy them on MeeGo and across other platforms, for example, on Symbian.

The Ovi Store will be the channel to market for apps and content for all Nokia devices, including MeeGo and Symbian-based, with Forum Nokia providing developer support across all Nokia device platforms. The Intel AppUpSM Center will be the path to market for Intel-based MeeGo devices from other device manufacturers, with the Intel(R) Atom(TM) Developer Program providing support for applications targeting devices in a variety of categories.

The MeeGo software platform, running on high-performance devices, will deliver a range of Internet, computing and communication experiences, with visually rich graphics, multitasking and multimedia capabilities and the best application performance. Since MeeGo runs on multiple device types, people can keep their favorite applications when they change devices, so they are not locked into one kind of device or those from any individual manufacturer.