451 CAOS Theory 
A blog for the enterprise open source community
Are mobile Linux and open source finally for real?
Jay Lyman, November 11, 2008 @ 7:06 pm ETWe delve into this question and look at how mobile Linux and a general move toward openness in the mobile industry are coinciding with the disruption of Apple’s iPhone and resulting mobile combat with other heavyweights such as Research In Motion (RIM) in our latest long-form report, CAOS 10 Mobility Matters.
While mobile Linux and open source have historically been hyped up only to deliver minimal results in the way of user or market impact, we believe the number and type of chip, device, software and services players now backing various mobile Linux efforts mean this time will be different. Further reinforcing the idea that there is opportunity in mobile open source, we also consider Nokia and its nearly half-billion-dollar bet on open source in taking full ownership of the Symbian OS and plotting an open source course for it. The report also considers the use of open source software in the mobile setting, and how despite increased use of open source for mobile software — unfortunately for some free and open source software supporters — software and devices are typically closed in the end.
We referred recently to the challenge to incumbant mobile players such as Motorola, which is among those turning to Linux to respond to disruption from iPhone, RIM’s response and the rejuvinated smartphone market, and more of this is covered in the report.
In looking at recent developments and findings on the fast-moving mobile device and software market, such as those referenced here, we see further indication that the renewed hopes for mobile Linux and open source software are justified.
Stay tuned to CAOS for a soon-to-be scheduled Webcast on our CAOS 10 Mobility Matters findings.
Comments (11) Categories: Software
[...] Are mobile Linux and open source finally for real? Via The 451 Group “In looking at recent developments and findings on the fast-moving mobile device and software market, such as those referenced here, we see further indication that the renewed hopes for mobile Linux and open source software are justified.” [...]
Hi,
Don’t miss important report like this one:
Linux smartphone shipments up 49 percent
,—-[ Quote ]
| Other findings include big gains for Apple and RIM, and a 49 percent increase
| in sales of Linux smartphones.
`—-
http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4113228592.html?kc=rss
Thanks Roy. I actually linked to that article, which is consistent with our findings, in the last graph. Definitely interesting to watch.
JL
Oops. I missed that, thanks.
[...] Are mobile Linux and open source finally for real? Via The 451 Group “In looking at recent developments and findings on the fast-moving mobile device and software market, such as those referenced here, we see further indication that the renewed hopes for mobile Linux and open source software are justified.” [...]
[...] traction for iPhone and BlackBerry and even mobile Linux making a go of it (as discussed in our latest CAOS report, Mobility Matters. However, will the smartphone really kill the netbook, described as a [...]
The success of GNU/Linux is rooted in the openness and versatility of this magnificent operating system. GNU/Linux proves that when the primary directive of an Operating System is to enable(rather than restrict) humans with technology, the possibilities are endless!! Companies that embrace the GNU/Linux way of interoperability and openness are the companies that will successfully transition into the future direction of technology.
GNU/Linux rocks!!!
Shannon VanWagner
http://healthysystem.blogspot.com
[...] Are mobile Linux and open source finally for real? [...]
[...] Are mobile Linux and open source finally for real? Tags: Alabama Events, Gadsden, Mobile [...]
[...] is for real Jay Lyman, February 18, 2009 @ 12:54 am ET We’ve been talking on our blog and podcast about mobile Linux, and some of our findings from CAOS 10 – Mobility Matters. [...]
[...] mindshare and yes, believe it or not, consumers. This is the picture we foresaw in our 2008 report, Mobility Matters, where we described the first Android phone, the G1, not as an Apple iPhone killer, but an [...]