At 50 Million Units Per Annum in 2013, Linux Will Take Lion's Share of MID Market, According to ABI Research

Business Wire, August 4, 2008

LONDON -- The Mobile Internet Devices (MID) market is likely to be the first real example of a greenfield situation in which all mobile operating systems start on the same equal footing, without the baggage of previous histories such as existed in the smartphone market. The Linux OS, in the form of Moblin, LiMo and Maemo, looks ready to take the lion's share of the MID market and is set to capture unit volumes of 50 millions units per annum in 2013.

ABI Research vice president and research director Stuart Carlaw says, "Maemo is already in this space thanks to the patronage of Nokia; Moblin will benefit from tight integration with Atom and Intel's drive; and LiMo is actively being positioned for this market. The flexibility, customization and very positive cost comparison to Windows Mobile looks set to ensure that Linux takes the leading role in this market."

One of the more significant aspects of the Linux OS in this market is its ability to provide a converged platform that can span multiple device segments. The concept of a single OS that covers MIDs, smartphones and mid-tier devices is very attractive indeed. In reality, only LiMo and potentially Moblin hold the possibility of achieving this.

"Mobile Linux," (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/Mobile_Linux) provides a picture of the projected uptake of Linux in two major applications, as a commercial OS and as an RTOS replacement. It offers a frank analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Linux solution, and describes major drivers and barriers that are dictating the growth of the mobile Linux market.

It forms part of the firm's Mobile Devices Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Mobile_Devices_Research _Service)(Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists), which also includes other Research Reports, Research Briefs, Market Data, an Online Database, ABI Insights, ABI Vendor Matrices, and analyst inquiry support.

ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives. For information, visit www.abiresearch.com, or call 1.516.624.2500.