Nokia boosts web services plan with Trolltech buy

Finnish handset giant Nokia moved to acquire Scandinavian mobile Linux developer Trolltech on Monday, further boosting its internet services business.

At the heart of the deal is Trolltech’s Qt cross platform application framework, which will allow the Finnish firm to further develop its online services strategy.

With Trolltech on board, Nokia and third party developers will be able to develop web applications that work across Nokia’s device portfolio and on PCs. Nokia’s strategy is based on cross-platform development environments – layers of software that run across operating systems – such as Web runtime, Flash, Java and Open C.

“Trolltech and Nokia share the goal of accelerating the adoption of Trolltech’s Qt based technology in the commercial market and in the open source community,” said Haavard Nord, CEO and founder of Trolltech.

Nokia will offer around $153m for all the shares in the Norwegian company. As of Monday, holders representing approximately 66 per cent, including the company’s founders, have accepted the offer.

Kai Oistamo, executive vice president of devices at Nokia, said, “Trolltech’s deep understanding of open source software and its strong technology assets will enable both Nokia and others to innovate on our device platforms while reducing time-to-market. This acquisition will also further increase the competitiveness of S60 and Series 40.”

Nokia said it will continue the development of Trolltech’s products and support of new and existing customers.