Nokia and Vodafone collaborate on software development

Nokia has just signed an agreement with Vodafone Group Plc to personalize the software for smartphone operators of the service operator.

Both companies said they have created a Vodafone version of the Nokia S60 operating system, which helps reduce costs and speed up the personalization of mobile services on Vodafone devices.

The new operating system will be installed first on Samsung SGHi-520 smartphone and Nokia N95. Both mobile phones are expected to be available between March and April.

S60 software based on Nokia's Symbian platform is currently a mobile operating system widely used for smartphones, allowing to run similar applications on computers. This platform approach will allow software distributors to write programs that are used for most handheld devices. Currently, operators still have to specify specific software for different smartphones.

Commenting on the agreement with Nokia, Jens Schulte-Bockum, Vodafone's global director, said it would not affect its decision to continue maintaining the three main operating systems, including Microsoft. Windows Mobile and Linux open source software.