Linux Solutions

Many people may not be aware that the mobile phone market is dominated by Linux which is the operating system of choice for the vast majority of handset manufacturers. When you consider that Windows dominate the desk top market, why have they faired so poorly in the handset market?

One of the main strengths, and a subsequent weakness, of Microsoft and their Windows operating system is the fact that they have the computer desktop and laptop markets in their pocket. There is no other operating system which even comes close to them and as such they also dominate the software market with more and more programs and systems forced to use Windows to gain mass market appeal.

However, the mobile phone handset market is a little different and has always used the Linux system for its flexibility and the fact open source has meant that improvements can be made along the way at very little cost. As we have covered on this blog before, it is also the combined effort of those using the Open Source code which has given it extra strength.

There is also one more reason why mobile phone companies prefer Linux – the fact that Microsoft will not be able to dominate what happens in the future and the programs which are introduced. While they have released a Windows mobile operating system over the last few years many believe that it is all too little too late. The mobile phone companies do not want to be dictated to by the likes of Microsoft and would much prefer to have their own future in their own hands.

It will be interesting to see how Microsoft do respond to this lack of real progress in the phone market because you can bet your last dollar that they will try every means at their disposal to spoil the party!