Smartphones Will Account for a Growing Share of Total Handset Sales, Expanding from 16 Percent in 2009 to 37 Percent in 2014 (Research & Markets)

Emerging markets will become the leading growth engine for smartphone sales over the next five years. China will become the biggest smartphone market in 2010, and other key markets such as Brazil, India, Turkey and Nigeria will record compound annual growth rates above 30% through 2014. Understanding local conditions will be vital for operators, smartphone vendors and OS developers.

This report examines the state of the global smartphone market today, focusing on operator and vendor strategies. It also looks at the intense struggle for market dominance among the various software platforms: Symbian, BlackBerry OS, iPhone OS, Windows Mobile, Android and Palm's various systems. All this is put into context with an analysis of the mobile services market and the overall handset market. The report investigates in detail the state of the smartphone markets in eight crucial markets: Brazil, China, India, Nigeria, Russia, Turkey, the UK and the US. These case studies contain forecasts of such metrics as handset sales by generation, annual smartphone sell-through and market shares by operating system. Each one also contains detailed data on a key mobile operator in the market. Visit the Research and Markets portal to review the full abstract or order the "Smartphone Forecast - Operator Strategies Will Fuel Growth in Emerging Markets" report

Digital China to Distribute BlackBerry Smartphones in China

Digital China Holdings Limited and Research In Motion (RIM) announced a distribution agreement for BlackBerry® smartphones in China. This strategic business initiative will help RIM further expand its business in China by leveraging Digital China’s local expertise and nationwide distribution network.

The BlackBerry solution is a world-class mobile communications platform that incorporates innovative and industry leading smartphones, software and services to keep mobile professionals and consumers connected with powerful email, messaging, phone, organizer, Internet and multimedia applications, as well as access to a wide range of other mobile business and consumer applications.

Commenting on the partnership, Guo Wei, Chairman and CEO, Digital China, said, “As the leading IT service provider and distributor in China, Digital China has always believed in advanced and cutting-edge products that deliver value to Chinese customers. Through this collaboration, RIM will leverage Digital China’s proven professional services and nationwide coverage to reach more customers and to increase the visibility of the BlackBerry solution across the country.”

Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO, Research In Motion, said, “We are delighted to reach a distribution agreement with Digital China. Business partnerships are an important aspect of RIM’s strategy and Digital China’s extensive knowledge and market presence will further expand the opportunity for RIM in China.”