<img title="Image: http://www.myvivvo.com/thumbnail.php?file=nokia_linux_223616632.jpg&amp;size=article_medium" src="http://www.myvivvo.com/thumbnail.php?file=nokia_linux_223616632.jpg&amp;size=article_medium" alt="Nokia eyes wider usage of Linux in cellphones">
										
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								<span>PARIS (Reuters) - The world's top handset maker Nokia Oyj 
expects the role of the Linux operating system in its product portfolio 
to increase as the role of its Internet-focused devices grows, company 
officials said.<br><br>Linux has so far had little success on 
cellphones, but its role is increasing as more new Linux-based models 
reach the market, while Google Inc gave it a vote of confidence by using
 it to build its Android platform on.<br><br>Nokia itself has used Linux
 for years in its Internet tablets, large phone-like devices used to 
access Internet on the go, but lacking calling functionality. "We will 
expand that range, and we believe that the role of Linux will grow," 
said Nokia spokesman Kari Tuutti.<br><br>Linux is the most popular type 
of open source operating system which is available to the public to be 
used, revised and shared -- meaning it has a large developer community 
which could result in more attractive programs and lower costs for the 
likes of Nokia.<br><br>Nokia has used the tablets to target technology-savvy consumers or support emerging technologies like WiMAX.<br><br>"It's
 going to be terribly important," Nokia's Chief Financial Officer Rick 
Simonson told an investor conference when asked about the role of 
Linux-based tablets.<br><br>He said the company has been developing the next generation of Linux-based products, which are starting to come to the market.<br><br>The
 market for software platforms on cellphones is led by Nokia's S60, 
built on the Symbian operating system, well ahead of Microsoft's Windows
 Mobile.<br><br>However, many mobile industry heavyweights, including 
Vodafone, Motorola, NTT DoCoMo, Samsung Electronics, Huawei and LG 
Electronics, have joined Linux alliances.<br><br>Linux suppliers earn 
money selling improvements and technical services and Linux competes 
directly with offerings from Microsoft, which charges for its Windows 
software and opposes freely sharing its code.</span>
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