Skype and Nokia to Partner for Mobile Device

When two leading innovators and two popular brands join forces, what can you expect? It is bound to culminate in a unique product benefiting the customers. Nokia, the leader in mobile phone production and Skype, a distinct communication software company announced their strategic partnership at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Their aim is to mix the best of both products and bring out a unique product that redefines the idea of communication. They are planning to combine the Skype experience on a Nokia mobile phone.


What to Expect:
Eager customers can expect Skype on Nokia phones using the Symbian S60 operating system. The Nokia N97 series mobile phones will come with pre-loaded Skype software by the starting of the third quarter. Those already possessing a Nokia N97 can download Skype using a firmware update.


The new products expected to hit the market later this year will have pre-loaded out-of-the-box Skype calls, instant messages and other features. It will be available via both 3G and Wini. This will enable Skype users to call a Nokia user or send instant messages faster. Instead of being a separate application in a Nokia phone it will be a part of the address book making operating easier.


The Strategy in the Alliance
Nokia and Skype are targeting the increasing number of mobile customers. They have the following three approaches to achieve their goals:

Skype will now be available for download on to mobile devices. Skype is open for downloading onto mobile phones using Android platform, Java enabled Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, LG, Motorola, and Windows mobile devices. What is encouraging in this regard is that there are 11 million users of Skype on Window mobile devices already. The Nokia and Skype alliance plans the additional features of SMS and file transfer systems. They will also offer more downloadable versions of Skype.


Skype is already available on mobile devices and they are trying hard to rope in more mobile manufacturing companies to use their software. Their 3 Skype phone and the INQ1 versions have been a huge success with users. The new partnership with Nokia will enable Skype to promote its use to million of Nokia users around the globe. Those that do not have access to a PC, but use a Nokia phone will now have access to the Internet through Skype. That's a huge benefit to Nokia phone users.


Mobile carriers can deliver fabulous Skype experience to their networks. Skype's successful experience with Hutchison 3 is proof that can increase their user base and thereby increase their revenue. The end users can benefit from Skype feature on their mobile sets and great mobile data costs.

The bottom line:
Many customers eager to use Skype on their mobile devices have had to depend on third party applications. They are excited about this partnership between Skype and Nokia which will allow the use of Skype directly without depending on any third party providers. This alliance will create new opportunities for many software and content owners, device manufacturers, mobile operators, and mobile users.