(SinoCast via NewsEdge) Mobile phone OS maker Symbian is planning to establish a branch in China in an effort to explore emerging markets.
The company said it plans to put up the China branch in early 2007.
Symbian also said the move is part of efforts to expand its brand in China and establish closer tie ups with Chinese smartphone operators
Local media said Symbian CEO Nigel Clifford will make the announcement soon.
Although London-headquartered Symbian has taken a considerable large share of the smartphone segment, it has no brand strategy, said Zhang Yan, an analyst with research firm CCID. 'Symbian has bundled itself closely with Nokia, the world's leading mobile phone supplier."
The global sales of smartphones with Symbian operating systems had exceeded 100 million units last year.
Nokia continues to be the leader in this market although its share in the global smartphone segment had been diminishing in 2006. Global demand for smartphones meanwhile has been increasing robustly.
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