Nokia Sells Qt Team To Digia
Nokia and Digia have formally completed the transfer of ownership of Qt, the cross-platform UI and application development software business. Part of Qt was already under Digia from last year’s dealings between the two company. Now, Nokia has transferred the Qt team to Digia as well. The details of the transaction, including the price for which Qt went to Digia, has not been revealed by either party.
Qt is a software development platform using which developers can write a single application code and then deploy it to work on different platforms, including Windows, OS X, Linux and even mobile operating systems such as those used by Nokia – Symbian, Nokia N9 and Windows Phone. However, Qt does not offer support for the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, Android. It seems this major shortcoming is what prompted Nokia to sell it off.
Digia on the other hand, is positive about the purchase and has said it will make Qt available for Android and iOS as well. Speaking about the purchase of Qt, Tommi Laitinen, SVP, International Products, Digia said, “We are looking forward to welcoming the Qt team to Digia. By adding this world class organization to our existing team we plan to build the next generation leading cross-platform development environment.” Regarding Qt’s development, he added, “Now is a good time for everyone to revisit their perception of Qt. Digia’s targeted R&D investments will bring back focus on Qt’s desktop and embedded platform support, while widening the support for mobile operating systems.”
This is what Nokia head of Strategy, Sebastian Nyström had to say about the deal. “Nokia is proud of the contributions we’ve made to Qt over the past four years. We are pleased that we’ve been able to work with Digia to secure continued development of Qt by the current core team.” “Digia’s plans to acquire Qt mean that it can continue as a successful open source project and also offer continuing employment for many people in the community.”, he said.
For Nokia this means it has one less thing to worry about now and some much needed cash which can be put to good use, developing its Windows Phone 8 line of devices.
