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Nokia announces reorganization of devices and services business

Nokia is still the worldwide leader in the smartphone market, but people often criticize them for moving too slow in the market. The new organization appears slimmer and more defined.
Written by Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer

Nokia leads the world in smartphone market share and has been keeping a fairly steady percentage even with all the new players entering the market. However, they still continue to receive continuous criticism from the media for responding too slow to the fast moving mobile market. I like Nokia devices myself and am frustrated by their lack of involvement in the US market. I also think they have the technology and intelligent people to come out with awesome end user experiences. Today Nokia announced a reorganization of the company structure designed to increase competitiveness. We have seen these types of reorganizations before and I am not sure how effective they are, but I like how much simpler this new organization looks and it will be easier to keep track of the different branches.

There will now be three units in the Nokia devices and services business, including Mobile Solutions, Mobile Phones and Markets. As stated in the press release, here is what each unit will be focused on:

The new Mobile Solutions unit will concentrate on the company's high-end mobile computer and smartphone portfolio. Based on both the MeeGo and Symbian software platforms respectively, these devices will be tightly integrated with Nokia's Internet services to increase the combined value for consumers. The Mobile Solutions unit will be headed by Anssi Vanjoki and be comprised of MeeGo Computers, led by Alberto Torres, and Symbian Smartphones, led by Jo Harlow.

The renewed Mobile Phones unit will focus on maintaining Nokia's leadership in the feature-rich mobile phone market and driving the direction of Series 40, the world's largest mobile operating system. Both the Mobile Solutions and Mobile Phones units will have dedicated portfolio management, including product planning, R&D and dedicated software assets. Tero Ojanpera will continue to develop Ovi as an integrated service into smartphones and mobile computers, and lead the development and deployment of new services into Nokia's mobile phones.

Markets will be responsible for Nokia's 'go-to-market' activities, including sales and marketing, management of Nokia's global supply chains and sourcing operations. Headed by Mary McDowell, the Mobile Phones unit will work closely with Services to add value to lower-end devices through offerings such as Ovi Life Tools, Ovi Mail, Ovi Store and Nokia Money.

There were some other moves made in the Nokia organization, including the retirement of Rick Simonson and promotion of Kai Oistamo.

Do you think these changes will have an influence on Nokia's ability to respond to others in the mobile market?

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