Nokia Streamlines Operations in Preparation for Ovi Store Launch

Nokia is continuing its steps towards the launch of its Ovi services by streamlining and better focusing its online services unit.

This unit is responsible for improving the user experience of Nokia services, as well as allowing third-party developers and partners to use Ovi as a common platform for various service offerings.

As part of this move to a common platform, Nokia's mobile games unit will be filtered through the upcoming Ovi Store. This will make this software store a singular destination for Nokia device owners who wish to purchase mobile games.

Nokia has not mentioned whether N-Gage is a part of this move. However, it is assumed that at some point in the near future that N-Gage will be section under the Ovi Store.

In addition to games, Nokia also says social networking and imaging sites will be added to the Ovi Store. This will enable Nokia's partners in these areas have better visibility to end users.

The Downside of these Changes
Finally, this move towards streamlining the Services unit involves laying off about 450 employees.

While these people will no longer be employed by Nokia, this move does enable the mobile device maker to continue to remain profitable in light of shrinking marketshare. Currently, Nokia maintains about a 37% share of the global mobile device market, which is down from last year's 40% share.

Source: Nokia