Nokia to focus on consumer software, ditch part of its business-focussed unit, and acquire OZ

Nokia announced that it plans to cease developing or marketing its own behind-the-firewall business mobility solutions. Going forward, the company plans to form its enterprise solutions offering by combining it's devices and applications with software solutions from third party vendors such as Microsoft, IBM and Cisco. It also revealed that it is in “advanced stages of discussions for the potential sale of its security appliances business to a financial investor.”

Nokia will instead renew its focus on the consumer market and as part of this has just announced that it is to acquire OZ, touted to be "the leading consumer mobile messaging solution provider" who "delivers access to popular instant messaging and email services on consumer mobile devices". Unfortunately, OZ does not appear to offer its software for download. Instead, its software and service appear to be available only through selected operators, and we cannot comment on their utility.

Nokia's new focus bodes well for it's future. While the company has long been the leader in number of phones and smartphones shipped, recent developments have caused it to lose some marketshare. Equipping all phones with enhanced connectivity solutions could be key in regaining lost ground, especially while a key competitor supports only limited multitasking (and hence, sub-par instant messaging).

source: Nokia via MocoNews.net and BGR