The Mobile Linux Phenomenon

Are mobile phones finally more about software than they are about the sleek, stylish, most-often compact and increasingly touch-enabled outer shell that surrounds that software? Ultimately, it is indeed what is inside that counts, since that is the foundation for the phone’s capabilities and its flexibility to support a broadening array of applications. But, it is hard to imagine most consumer mobile phone buyers paying that much attention to what is under the hood — specifically the kernel, operating system and related application framework software in their mobile devices. IT managers are a slightly more discriminating beast.

That said, the recent mixed reaction to the BlackBerry Storm’s enhanced touch interface is an indication that device critics, consumer influencers and consumers themselves still talk more about physical appearance and interface points more than anything else. “What kind of OS does this device have?” is usually a Round 2 question, the type of question the consumers ask after they have zeroed in on a model they really like – if they ask it at all.

OS and application software are not irrelevant, but perhaps secondary. Still, if that notion has ever been challenged, the challenge is happening now, with the arrival of an increasing number of smartphones and the emergence of new software options. The Android OS and namely Android’s cornerstone kernel technology, Linux, are expanding the mobile device OS and application software universe beyond the traditional options— Symbian, Windows, RIM, Palm and Mac.

Even given the US-led world financial crisis, 2008 has been the year of the smartphone. In 2009, smartphone sales will undoubtedly be impacted by the economy, and no one has any idea how to quantify that “hit.” What may prove to be more resilient are application sales. Smartphone capabilities and applications have put the spotlight on the software used in these devices, and, while the world of smartphones was once only a Symbian world, the above-mentioned platforms have started to make an impact. Symbian may still dominate the world’s smartphone market, but Apple and RIM have made serious advances. Android is still unproven, while Windows Mobile may slip and the Palm OS may vanish altogether along with that company.

Back in 2006, mobile Linux was used on a handful of cellular handsets. This report details the mobile Linux success story over the past three years, summarizes the changes in the mobile Linux world and details some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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