Nokia is acquiring gate5 of Germany, a leading supplier
of mobile mapping software and services.
By acquiring gate5, Nokia will offer users maps, routing,
navigation and other location-based applications on its mobile
devices.
Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia executive vice-president and general
manager for multimedia, said, “Maps and navigation are natural
elements to be offered in mobile devices but this area hasn’t
developed as fast as expected by the market.
“Acquiring gate5 enables Nokia to offer consumers world-leading
mobile location applications, such as maps, routing and navigation
at an accelerated speed.”
Nokia says the personal navigation device market is expected to
reach 15 million units in 2006, compared with eight million units
in 2005.
“By integrating the maps and navigation capabilities into our
devices, Nokia will participate in this growth,” said Vanjoki.
Gate5 has already developed more than 5,000 city guides, travel
guides or services.
Nokia said it would continue to support gate5's PND (personal
navigation device) customers, and would also continue to support
gate5's multi-platform strategy for mobile devices, including
support for Symbian, Linux, Windows Mobile, Palm and Java
platforms.
The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is expected to be
completed before the year is out.