Open source software in mobile phones

Publication Date	February 2008
Publisher	Ovum
Product Type	Report
Pages	11
ISBN Number	not applicable
Product Code	OVM00452

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Summary

Open source software and its associated development model is being actively adopted by handset vendors, mobile operators, platform vendors and independent software vendors. It promises to reduce operational costs, harness innovation and increase time to market for new devices and services. However, Adam Leach believes that to leverage these benefits vendors must re-evaluate their product lifecycle and business model.

Content

Overview
Key messages
Scope of this report
Open source software - a definition
Benefits
- The benefits of using open source software and its development model
- Being a customer of open source software
- Being a supplier of open source software
Barriers
- The barriers to using open source software and its development model
- Being a customer of open source software
- Being a supplier of open source software
Common misconceptions relating to the use of open source
- Open source does not mean free
- Open source is about more than the Linux kernel
- Open source can still mean closed communities
Open source and mobile software
- Changing the mobile software value chain
- Open source principles also imply a method of collaboration
- A shift towards open source by OEMs and operators
- Components are being commoditised through the use of open source
- Software vendors need to evolve to meet new customer expectations
Taking the plunge
How should vendors adopt an open source strategy?