For the short term, Maemo is of no importance to Nokia, as Symbian is their big smartphone platform. Maemo Devices is just a small section inside Nokia, and you'll realize that when you see how slow development is (apparently) due to lack of manpower.

But in the long term, I think, Maemo will become very important for Nokia, as it is more ready for future challenges than Symbian is. Especially since Linux has a cool and state-of-the-art desktop while the kernel is rapidly becoming the de-facto industry standard for mobile devices (so you have good hardware support). Combining these two features is what sets Maemo ahead of its competitors.

I doubt that Nokia currently realizes the importance of Maemo as we still see (or it looks like this) Maemo Devices (and subcontractors) struggling alone with Maemo development.

Just my2 ¢

If Maemo (one day) succeed in becoming a mainstream and commercially successful platform, it won't be because it's open source or standards-based.

These are abstract concepts that aren't in the top 10 priorities of 90% of world's cell/smart-phone audience.

I think it'll be similar to how Apple (re)package the darwin kernel and various opensource projects (take a peek at what's driving OSX server's various services.). Although Nokia will be less 'apple-like', just because they're catering to a different audience.

So, in the end...

- They will have to deal with content makers who want exclusivity and protection for their products (read: there will be DRM and other protective measures).
- Various sugar coated toppings will be added to attract the masses

Hi Texrat

Just curious, if Nokia don't do the OS, or say the hardware, what do you think they will do? Is it just networks and services?

Rich

Maemo is definitely important to Nokia otherwise (imo) they wouldn't have launched the second PUSH N900 'Mod In The USA' project for American N900 hackers and devs. Or offered up the cash prizes for the three finalists.

http://blogs.nokia.com/pushn900/usa

look at it from a different angle.....Nokia have launched the N900 with a pretty damn stable Maemo 5 base. On symbian this has resulted in a few dogs over the last 2 yrs, namely N96 and N97. Some of this has been down to hardware but fixes have generally smoothed the problems albeit eventually.
Maemo 5 is strong. I don't really get any problems. I certainly don't get the hangs and dropouts (online) that I had with my N96 and even the godfather N95 8gb.
N900 with M5 is generally smooth, capable and multitasks with ease. Something Symbian still is not (IMHO).

I'm impressed. Nokia should really provide and strong backbone for this OS and kick arse out there. Its about time too.