This article goes in line with my previous writing that Nokia should dump its name from the Ovi branding. The idea is to offer an array of useful services to the consumers, both on the web and on their mobiles. That said, here are seven companies which services could be of use for Nokia handset users:
- Evernote – the single most popular web-based note taking tool today. It’s not only a web-based service as there is also a desktop component, as well as mobile apps for Windows Mobile and the iPhone/iPod Touch. By acquiring Evernote, the Finnish giant could include a powerful note taking tool in its Ovi suite of services, as well as develop and offer Series 40 and S60 mobile clients.
- Viigo – popular RSS/news reader. Let’s face it, RSS readers are getting common even among the “not that tech savvy” population and Nokia could certainly benefit from offering such an app/service. By acquiring Viigo, Nokia gets an instant access to other platforms as well. Additionally, they could create their own web-based RSS reader that would work in sync with the mobile client.
- Mobispine – like Viigo, it’s an RSS/news reader. It’s Java ME-based, and it already works on many Nokia devices, feature phones included.
- iScrybe – I’m not sure about this one, though, but at one point it was very promising online organizer. Then they seemed to stop developing it. Nokia could add some cash to the company and make them finish their product — and remove that “beta” sign along the way. Afterwards a mobile client which sings along the web-based version is a must.
- Remember The Milk – one of the most popular web-based task management applications, which also works on various mobile platforms. Unfortunately, Nokia phones are not on the list of supported devices, but that could easily change if they [Nokia] buy the company. Along with iScrybe (or some other online calendar) and Evernote, this could enhance Ovi’s appeal to business users. Alternatively, individuals could also benefit from using these services.
- Netvibes – personalized homepage service, similar to iGoogle. If Nokia wants to tackle the larger audience and really establish itself as an Internet company, offering a personalized homepage to its users is a neat idea. In that sense, acquiring the Paris-based company could certainly be beneficial for the Finnish giant. When you think about it, if acquired by Nokia, Netvibes could evolve/change to some kind of myOvi service.
- Pageflakes – another personalized homepage service, although not as near as popular. Still if Nokia could put its brand and cash behind, it could drive adoption quickly.
That’s about all I wanted to say. Is there any other company that could be of use to Nokia? What do you say?