Nokia seeks next killer mobile apps from Middle East developers

In launching 'The Nokia Series 60 Challenge' Nokia hopes to encourage developers to create Symbian, MMS and MIDP JavaTM applications for the Nokia 7650 and Nokia 3650 imaging phones, both of which are based on the Series 60 platform.

Middle Eastern companies will have two opportunities to win as prizes will be awarded for both the best local applications and the best in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Prizes for Middle Eastern winners will include: Best Java Application, Most Innovative Application, Best Symbian Application and Best Overall Locally Developed Application.

"We have seen tremendous growth in demand in the Middle East for mobile software. Following the success of previous contests, Nokia wanted to encourage developers in the region to create local software and software using local languages, including Arabic, Farsi and Urdu," said Jarmo Hostio, Business Development Manager, Nokia Middle East. "Given the great talent based in this region, we look forward to the results of their creative efforts."

Middle Eastern competitors have many opportunities to win as they will also be entered for a European competition in which Nokia is inviting all developers based in the European, African and Middle East countries to compete with their Series 60 applications. Besides Nokia 3650 imaging phones and either free application testing or technical support services, the winning companies in each category will be offered the chance to develop concrete business opportunities by being invited to a Series 60 VIP event held at the 3GSM World Congress 2003 in Cannes, France. Winners will also be able to showcase their winning application at a European trade fair during Spring 2003.

"The Series 60 platform is compelling for mobile applications given the number of companies that have licensed it. There is an extensive global market for quality applications that will engage consumers," said Jouko Hayrynen, Vice President, Forum Nokia. "A contest is a creative way to activate developers to explore both the technical capabilities of the Series 60 mobile devices and the ways of distributing the applications."

Winners in the Europe, Middle East and Africa categories will be invited to appear in Forum Nokia print and on-line materials, and will also receive certificates acknowledging their success. All applications submitted to the contest will remain the property of their owner, whether or not they win. Participants will also be invited to market their software on Nokia's two e-commerce sites, www.softwaremarket.com and www.tradepoint.com. Here, mobile phone users and service providers can access a variety of the latest technologies to help them in their every day social or working life.

Forum Nokia, the on-line service for developers of mobile applications worldwide, is hosting the contests and will play an active role in supporting the entrants in their development work. The applications can be created and tested by using the tools and emulators provided by Forum Nokia free of charge.

The application categories include messaging, entertainment and productivity. The winning applications will be those that demonstrate the best combination of innovation, quality and usability. The contest opens on November 8, and the last day to submit applications to the jury is December 31, 2003. Winners will be announced in February 2003. Siemens, as a Series 60 licensee, will also take part in the jury.