# Symbian Software

> Software development and licensing company

**Wikidata**: [Q888456](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q888456)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbian_Software)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/symbian-software

## Summary
Symbian Software was a software development and licensing company founded in 1998 by Ericsson, specializing in the creation of the Symbian mobile operating system. It was later acquired by Nokia and dissolved in 2008, marking the end of its independent existence.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1998 by Ericsson
- Based in the United Kingdom
- Developed the Symbian mobile operating system (inception: 1998-06-05)
- Acquired by Nokia in 2008
- Dissolved on December 2, 2008
- Legal form: Public limited company
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Produced the Symbian OS, a widely used mobile operating system
- Owned by Nokia after acquisition

## FAQs
### Q: What was Symbian Software known for?
A: Symbian Software was known for developing the Symbian mobile operating system, which was widely used in smartphones before being acquired by Nokia and eventually discontinued.

### Q: Who founded Symbian Software?
A: Symbian Software was founded by Ericsson in 1998.

### Q: When was Symbian Software dissolved?
A: Symbian Software was dissolved on December 2, 2008.

### Q: What happened to Symbian Software after its founding?
A: After its founding, Symbian Software was acquired by Nokia in 2008 and subsequently dissolved.

### Q: What was the primary product of Symbian Software?
A: The primary product of Symbian Software was the Symbian mobile operating system, which was widely used in smartphones.

## Why It Matters
Symbian Software played a significant role in the early development of mobile operating systems, particularly for smartphones. The Symbian OS was one of the first mobile operating systems designed specifically for smartphones, competing with other platforms like Windows Mobile and Palm OS. The company's work laid the groundwork for modern smartphone operating systems. However, its acquisition by Nokia and subsequent dissolution marked the end of its independent existence, as Nokia continued to develop and refine the Symbian OS before eventually shifting to its own platform, Windows Phone.

## Notable For
- Developing the Symbian mobile operating system, a pioneer in smartphone operating systems
- Being acquired by Nokia in 2008, marking a significant shift in the mobile industry
- Dissolving in 2008, ending its independent existence after contributing to the evolution of mobile technology
- Being based in the United Kingdom, with headquarters in London
- Producing a widely used mobile operating system that influenced later smartphone platforms

## Body
### Origins and Development
Symbian Software was founded in 1998 by Ericsson, with its headquarters located in London, United Kingdom. The company was established to develop the Symbian mobile operating system, which was first released on June 5, 1998. The Symbian OS was designed to be a powerful and flexible platform for smartphones, competing with other mobile operating systems of the time.

### Acquisition and Dissolution
In 2008, Symbian Software was acquired by Nokia, a major player in the mobile industry. The acquisition marked a significant shift in the company's future, as Nokia continued to develop and refine the Symbian OS. However, the company was dissolved on December 2, 2008, ending its independent existence. The dissolution was a result of Nokia's strategic decisions to focus on its own platform, Windows Phone, and the broader evolution of the mobile industry.

### Legacy and Impact
Despite its relatively short independent existence, Symbian Software made a significant impact on the mobile industry. The Symbian OS was widely used in smartphones and laid the groundwork for modern smartphone operating systems. The company's work influenced later platforms and contributed to the development of the mobile technology we use today. The acquisition by Nokia and subsequent dissolution marked the end of an era for Symbian Software, but its legacy continues to be felt in the mobile industry.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013