Nokia launches mobile developer awards

Applications are now being accepted for the newly launched Forum Nokia PRO Awards, which are open to all members of Nokia's advanced developer support program.

Established in 2004, Forum Nokia PRO provides business development, technical support and marketing opportunities to companies developing services, applications and technologies for the mobile market.

Since its inception, more than 400 companies have registered with the program, and the new awards have been specifically designed to recognise and reward examples of outstanding achievements in a number of areas.

The awards will fall into seven categories:

• 2005 Developer of the Year
• Rising Star - companies with fewer than 30 employees
• ARPU - best business model for operators
• Enterprise Application (series 60)
• Enterprise Application (series 80)
• Gaming/Entertainment Application (series 40)
• Gaming/Entertainment Application (series 60)

Submissions involve a series of questions based on previous 12 months business activities and the panel of independent judges consists of mobile industry journalists and analysts from around the world. Included on the panel are Stuart O'Brien (Editor, Mobile Entertainment U.K.), Brad Smith (Data/IP Editor, Wireless Week U.S.) and Yuelong Yan (Deputy Editor-In-Chief, Telecom World China).

Presentations for the awards will take place on the eve of the Nokia Mobility Conference to be held in Barcelona on 2nd-3rd November.

Marc Naddell, Director of Forum Nokia stated "by launching this new awards program we can highlight the most outstanding accomplishments in this community and reward companies that are supporting growth and innovation across the mobility industry."

Winners in each category will receive a dedicated company information page on the Forum Nokia website, as well as free membership to Forum Nokia for 2006, valued at USD 5000.