Criticality and Nuance of Governance for Mobile Handset OS

This presentation makes visible the critical role played by governance in developing and implementing mobile handset operating systems (OS) Governance pervades every aspect of development, adoption and longevity of mobile OS technologies. No part of the process happens in isolation. The mobile device OS is developed and implemented collaboratively, with continually changing requirements dictated by evolving business models and competitive issues both internal and external. Governance provides the priorities and policies needed to determine how an organization creates its technology, conducts its business, and protects the future viability of its platforms and associated products. Thus, it is governance that determines whether innovation will be the work of a smaller group of talent in a closed environment or involve industry- wide representation with shared intellectual property (which, in turn, must be protected by sophisticated "safe harbor policies"). The presentation will suggest strategies for governance to assure licensing will accommodate evolving technology and new opportunities over time. Without good governance, the risk remains that the OS technology will become fragmented or diluted.