Nokia Buys bit-side to Speed Development of Nokia Maps

The Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia has recently announced that it plans to acquire the Berlin-based professional services and software company, bit-side. This is a privately-owned German mobile mapping software firm that has 39 employees. Nokia stated that the acquisition of bit-side is expected to allow it to strengthen and speed up the development for its Nokia Maps.

“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.”

According to Michael Halbherr, vice president and head of social location, Nokia, the giant phone manufacturer considers context as having a vital part 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,” he stated, and also added that users would also be able to obtain information on the location of their friends. In addition, they would also be able to learn what their friends “are doing and how they are feeling.”

“Joining Nokia, the world leader in mobility, is an exciting opportunity for us,” says Thom Brenner, managing director & partner, bit-side GmbH. “Our small team has brought many innovative mobile products to life and being part of Nokia will be like a catalyst to this. We share Nokia's visions, on social and location related services and the future of their enabling technologies.”

Nokia and bit-side announced that they expected to close the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, during the first quarter of the year. The German software company will be integrated with Nokia's Services unit.