The new companies include some well known Symbian names (Opera Software, TapRoot Systems, and UIQ Technology), of device manufacturers (Sharp and KTF) and a strong showing of software engineering and middleware companies.
Here's a quick summary of each of the 10 companies:
- Acrodea - is a Japanese company which produces middleware for mobile devices. It is noted for its expertise in UI development. They say, "The Symbian Foundation will allow Acrodea to bring the highest level of service to our customers and end users in a timely manner on a global basis and we will enthusiastically participate in this endeavour. Acrodea intends to build closer relationships with other foundation members, helping them meet increasing needs for customization of user experience. "
- Brycen - is a Japanese software engineering company which specialises in database software. They say, "we will support the work of the Symbian Foundation with versions of our embedded RDBMS products operating on the unified Foundation platform. Combining our technology with the open platform will allow us to offer more efficient global application development and innovative services with high added value, which we believe will enable device manufacturers and service providers to create more attractive products."
- HI Corporation is a Japanese company which specialises in middleware for embedded devices. They say, "we will optimize our “MascotCapsule” series 3D rendering engine for the Symbian Foundation platform. This will allow developers to focus on differentiation through enriched content and user experience. With the establishment of the Foundation, we expect to see innovative 3D applications across multiple devices, such as 3D Concierge which will bring brand-new experiences to users."
- Ixonos - is a Finnish software development and project management consultancy copmany which ahs worked with multiple smartphone manufacturers. They say, "with strong mobile expertise and business understanding, Ixonos shares the vision that the foundation's open software platform will be crucial for future success. Hundreds of Ixonos people are developing new features and platform components for mobile devices every day, as part of the current ecosystem."
- KTF - is a Korean device manufacturer and wireless communications company. They say, "as a leading wireless communications company in Korea, KTF is working hard to enhance the quality experiences for its customers. We believe that innovation around the Symbian Foundation platform will accelerate this effort with a wide range of open opportunities. We support the plans for the Symbian Foundation and intend to contribute to its work to deliver devices and services which exceed consumers’ expectations."
- Opera Software - produces the Opera browser (Opera Mini and Opera Mobile) and have considerable experience in web technology areas. They say, "as the market leader in standards-driven, cross-platform Web browsing innovation, we expect to offer our expertise in developing compelling and captivating Web browsing experiences. We look forward to the opportunity to join the foundation and help drive the ongoing evolution of the leading mobile operating system."
- Sharp - is a device manufacturer and produces Symbian devices for the Japanese market. They say, "we believe its activities will establish a leading open platform for mobile. Participating in the work of the Symbian Foundation and adopting the platform will enable us to concentrate resources to deliver more appealing devices more quickly to a worldwide market. We are convinced that this mobile platform will accelerate innovation in the mobile industry and increase customer satisfaction."
- TapRoot Systems - have worked on the lower levels on Symbian OS, particularly in the WiFi area. They recently launched WalkingHotSpot. They say, "our talented and deeply experienced engineering team has worked in this space for quite some time and we look forward to continuing our work within the Symbian Foundation ecosystem. We expect our handset and semiconductor customers will accelerate the introduction of new smartphones through the open Symbian Foundation platform."
- UIQ - builders of the UIQ interface used in Sony Ericsson and Motorola's Symbian phones. They say, "we will be happy to contribute to the work of the foundation, based on our extensive Symbian OS experience, understanding of touch technologies and our unique abilities to differentiate and innovate to achieve world class user experience."
Here's an extract from the press release:
Plans for the Symbian Foundation and the evolution of Symbian OS™ as the leading, open platform for mobile innovation continue to receive strong support from companies throughout the mobile ecosystem. Today, Acrodea, Brycen, HI Corporation, Ixonos, KTF, Opera Software, Sharp, TapRoot Systems and UIQ are adding their endorsement for the planned foundation.
Since June 2008, 40 companies have confirmed commitment to the initiative, including the ten initial board members: AT&T, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia, NTT DOCOMO, Samsung Electronics, Sony Ericsson, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Vodafone.