Intel and Nokia band together
Intel and Nokia said their "technology collaboration" would deliver new mobile computing products - beyond existing smart phones, netbooks and notebooks. But both companies added it was still too early to talk about product plans. The deal gives Intel its first real breakthrough in the multi-billion dollar mobile-phone market. "This collaboration will drive exciting new revenue opportunities for both companies and shape the next era of mobile computing," said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel's senior vice president of its ultra-mobility group. Nokia's executive vice president for devices, Kai Oistamo said: "It will be compelling not only for our companies, but also for our industries, our partners and, of course, for customers."
"Brave new world"
Both companies said the partnership would centre on several open-source mobile Linux software projects, including the Moblin platform for Atom-based processors and the Maemo operating system developed by Nokia. Intel will also acquire a licence from Nokia that is used in modem chips to connect to third generation cellular networks.
"Wave of the future"
Intel's microprocessors are found in eight out of 10 personal computers, while Nokia boasts around a billion customers but is not as big a player in the US as it is in Europe . The alliance could spell stiffer competition for ARM Holdings, which is one of the biggest suppliers of chips in the cell phone marketplace. Analysts welcomed the collaboration, which they described as significant for both companies.
"Intel has really been trying to get a foothold in the wireless world in the worst way," Will Strauss, principal analyst with Forward Concepts told the BBC. "They know portability; mobility is the wave of the future. Nokia is the world's biggest cell-phone maker in the world so getting a piece of Nokia's business is a big deal.
"For Nokia it's a way to get into notebooks and netbooks. They are not big there and partnering with Intel as the largest manufacturer of chips will lend them credibility in that market," said Mr Strauss.
Source : bbc.news.com