Nokia (NOK) is starting a software store for its handsets. According to MarketWatch, it will be “an online bazaar that will allow users to buy music or films as well as applications directly from their mobile phone.”
The Nokia project looks a great deal like Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone software business and another service which is growing rapidly to serve the the Google (GOOG) Android handset operating system.
Nokia may be late to the market, but is has one important advantage. It controls almost 40% of the global handset business and has relationships with every major carrier in the world.
Nokia is launching several products to compete with Apple’s iPhone and the RIM (RIMM) Blackberry. While Nokia’s attempt to get market share at the highest end of the handset market may not be entirely successful, it should significantly disrupt the industry as it tries to elbow its way in.
Douglas A. McIntyre