-By Terry Van Horne
Today an interesting article on Mobile and Local Search peaked my imagination partially because it was further data on Mobile Search verifying the beliefs expressed in my 2008 Search Predictions from yesterdays post. I agree with much of the article but do believe the author is too optimistic about open source platforms gaining traction on Telco networks. The author seems to be assuming the telcos will offer open source phones and that the handset makers will only provide open source phones.
Forget it! The handset makers know what pays the bills and it isn't the handsets it's the network equipment where the real juicy margins are found and they will be protected like Fort Knox! AFAICS, the handset makers that signed onto Android have not agreed to exclusively producing open source handsets so it's up to the telcos to support it and judging by the fight against Net Neutrality they are trying to close things down not open them up.
You have to believe the telcos will not support open systems based on the zeal to which they are fighting Net Neutrality which would have to be in place for the open source platforms to thrive. Sure, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile are carriers, but... they are hardly powerhouses and Samsung and Motorola are hardly the cream of the crop of handset makers. Seems like a few of the weaklings are hanging their hat on this not because they want to it may be a matter of having no choice but to support it.
posted @ Tuesday, January 29, 2008 2:23 AM