Nokia net phone partners

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This is significant because before now most handset makers have developed the software and electronics to control handsets largely in isolation.

This has effectively divided phone users by the handset they own, and has also limited the range of services that can be offered to all mobile phone subscribers.

But with all phones working to a common set of specifications, it should become easier for mobile network operators to offer services to more customers.

The alliance is particularly interested in ensuring that future third-generation phones can use the widest set of services possible.

Experts speculate that customers will only sign up to new networks if they get significantly more from them than their existing service.

Dominant mobile

Nokia's dominance of the handset industry has been likened to Microsoft's control of the desktop PC market. But Nokia's 33% share of the handset market is far below the 90% dominance Microsoft enjoys.

Before now, Nokia has been reluctant to hand over information about the inner workings of its phones because of fears that any disclosure might dent its dominance.

Now, Nokia is planning to work with the alliance to standardise how phones send and receive information, how they synchronise with desktop PCs or even servers located on another phone or data network, and how they package up information before it is sent.

The Nokia-backed group is also planning to work with the Liberty Alliance project. This group of computer companies is creating standardised identification systems that let people use one digital identity to unlock services accessed by phone, PC or handheld computer.

Microsoft strategy

Nokia said that it had not yet tried to recruit Microsoft, AOL Time Warner or Palm to the alliance, but it added that all were welcome to sign up.

However, joining the group could cause problems for Microsoft, which has set its face against some of the technologies the new alliance is backing.

The Nokia-led group will use the Java programming language to make it easier to add new functions to future phones, and allow people to sign up to services quickly.

In the past, Microsoft has worked with Java, but in recent months has started to push its own version of the programming language in an attempt to win supporters for its .Net initiative.

With .Net, Microsoft is trying to create a set of programming tools and software products that allows people to get at data and services no matter where they are, or what device they are using.