Nokia will be acquiring mobile application company Bit-side, according to a press release, in order to accelerate the development of Nokia Maps. The purchase price for Bit-side’s assets, including 39 employees, wasn’t disclosed.
The Berlin-based Bit-side and Nokia have worked as partners since 2007 when the world’s leading handset manufacturer began to focus on internet integration with its Ovi platform.
From the press release:
“Acquiring bit-side enables Nokia to offer consumers the world-leading mobile location applications, such as Maps, along with routing and navigation at an accelerated speed” said Michael Halbherr, vice president and head of social location, Nokia. “Nokia has been working with bit-side since 2007, and bit-side has become a strategic development partner to Nokia.”
“Nokia believes that context plays a pivotal role in the evolution of the Internet. To make the Internet truly personal, Nokia is building the ability for people to always know where they are and what is around them. Moreover, to know where their friends are and what they are doing and how they are feeling. Nokia calls this social location,” said Michael Halbherr, vice president and head of social location, Nokia.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2009. Bit-side will be integrated into Nokia’s Services unit. Nokia acquired digital mapping company NAVTEQ for $8.1 billion last year, and web app Plazes, in addition to 1o other small companies. I believe this is the company’s first purchase of the year.
via pr
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