News · 27 Apr 2011 · MTW Editorial Team
Nokia has just announced its plan to transfer all Symbian activities, business and developers to consulting and outsourcing company Accenture. This essentially means that the Finish mobile giant will now effectively focus on Windows Phone only (no word on Meego but I’m guessing that there’s still some R&D going on). The deal also includes plans for Accenture to provide mobility software, business and operational services around the Windows Phone platform to Nokia and other ecosystem participants (HTC, Samsung, LG).
Nokia and Microsoft have apparently been working night and day since the February announcement as proven by the numerous announcements and milestones reached in the past weeks. Just yesterday we learned that Nokia was re-organizing it’s Navteq mapping division to focus on social based location services for Windows Phone.
ESPOO, Finland & NEW YORK, USA – Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company with more than 215,000 employees serving clients in more than 120 countries, will be taking on approximately 3,000 Nokia employees to support the continued delivery of Symbian software development and support services. The collaboration also includes plans for Accenture to provide mobility software, business and operational services around the Windows Phone platform to Nokia and other ecosystem participants.
“Mobility is a key area for Accenture,” said Marty Cole, group chief executive, Accenture Communications and High Tech group. “One of our areas of focus is mobility software, where we provide engineering consulting and product development services to mobile phone manufacturers, chip manufacturers, and mobile operators worldwide. With the influx of highly qualified talent from Nokia, Accenture can help our clients rapidly leverage mobility to advance their business strategy.”
Accenture and Nokia have rich history working together since 1994. This collaboration strongly shows Nokia’s commitment to serve current and future Symbian customers, as it plans to deliver 150 million Symbian devices in the coming years.
“This collaboration demonstrates our ongoing investment to serve our Symbian customers,” said Jo Harlow, executive vice president for Smart Devices, Nokia. “As we move our primary smartphone platform to the Windows Phone platform, the transition of skilled talent to Accenture also shows our commitment to provide our Symbian employees with potential new career opportunities.”
source: Nokia
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