In a world of iPhones that can now send mms, Android powered G1, media capable Blackberries, and let’s not forget Samsung and HTC for their customized WinMo devices; I then wonder where in this worthy crowd does my beloved N97 fall?   By specs alone, clearly the N97 trumps competitors boasting specs never seen previously in a mobile device.  Clearly the same could be said about the N96 that was launched less than a year ago yet it could not live above the shadow cast by the N95/N95 8GB.  With the release of the N97 lies an opportunity to truly deliver this brilliant hardware to the hands of the global masses.

Here’s how I would do it.

Global Launch/Update – Since we’re in the business of Connecting People, you cannot truly connect unless you’re releasing products and updates simultaneously.  I get very anxious here in NAM waiting for our version of devices to release.  Segmenting release dates creates anxiety and impulse buying given that I’m currently pondering buying the Euro N97 versus waiting 2-3 more months for a NAM version.  Others that follow my steps will get disappointed because they did not wait for the NAM 3G version while those that do wait will get disappointed by infrequent updates from NSU. Software updates in NAM is also months behind.

Play-Ball – My beloved Nokia is king amongst men but here in America, it’s a plebian king.  Sad to admit but here the carriers call all the shots.  Global market share is polarizing in the US because competitors like Apple, HTC, and Samsung have been more successful in negotiating their devices in ATT’s portfolio.  To even up requires device customization including locking out some features in other to begin saturating S60 in the US market therefore paving the way for the mighty N97.  The great news is the versatility of S60 and devices powered by the OS i.e. E71 which has found its way into ATT’s lineup with a $149 price point.   Key point is that in the US, devices do not sell themselves, services do.  They do because they provide a value beyond having a powerful device.

Lastly…

Can I say App Store? – Yes it is the latest rage.  From game consoles to mobile phones, developers can truly impact the commercial success of a device.  Long gone are the days when you just release devices in the market hoping they sell because they’re feature packed.  The iPhone on paper can barely match features found in early N series devices but delivers a better value proposition by leveraging the app store that unlocks the features of the iPhone.  Once again, the versatility of the S60 OS can truly shine with unique application that can leverage more from the N97′s superior specification.  Great applications + great hardware will equal success here in the US.