There’s no shortage of Windows vs. Linux discussions…
The contest between these two operating systems – especially on the desktop – seems to be where the media focuses when covering open source issues. Linux is clearly gaining ground on all fronts, thanks in no small part to the phenomenal packaging done with Ubuntu.
And stories about a successful, scrappy underdog make good press.
But as important as these developments are, they really are focusing on where technology is now – not where it’s heading. The future of technology won’t be happening on your desktop. It will be happening in your pocket, on your belt, or in your purse.
It will happen with mobile smart devices…
And there’s new battle that’s brewing here. It’s a battle between the software platforms used to develop these handsets and devices. While this space is dominiated today by names like RIM, Symbian, Microsoft, and Palm, it appears that Linux is on the ascent, and has the potential to transform what’s probably the fastest growing segment in the technology ecosystem.
Take the Motorola’s new Razr2 phone shown at the right. While clearly a traditional phone design, the Razr2 has broken new ground as a successful mainstream phone built on a Linux foundation. And Apple’s release of the iPhone – also incredibly successful -has demonstrated just how powerful (and practical) a unix derived platform can be at the higher end of the market. It has also set a benchmark for design and usability that will be difficult for any of the traditional platform technologies to support without some major redesign.
According to an ABI Research report released yesterday, Linux is expected to be the fastest growing mobile device platform over the next 5 years, representing over 30% of the ‘smartphone’ devices sold over that period. According to the report:
Linux is benefiting from growing support in the handset OEM community, most notably Motorola, but also Nokia with less traditional types of devices aimed at mobile broadband applications.
The handset market is ripe for a change, and Linux adoption could end up being a very attractive route for vendors to take to expand their capabilities while addressing a real desire for simplicity and usability. This market also holds none of the challenges to Linux adoption that the traditional computing desktop environment does. I do see the potential for Linux to really shake up things up here and pose a serious challenge to the existing players in this market.
Except for Apple and the iPhone, of course…
So while its important to keep watching whats happening with open source on the desktop – its a computing model that’s going to be with us a long time – be sure to also keep an eye on what going on in this space as well.
It seems like it might get really interesting…
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