Nokia’s Qt application and user interface framework business unit, which enables software to be deployed across different platforms without rewriting the source code, is being split. Nokia will continue to invest in the development of Qt for all users, while Finnish company Digia will acquire the Qt commercial software licensing and professional services business.
Qt is available under open source licenses and a commercial license. Around 3500 companies from various industries have commercial licenses that are due to be transferred to Digia later this month. Some members of Nokia staff will also move to Digia.
Sebastian Nyström, Vice President and Head of MeeGo, Qt and Webkit at Nokia, said “Qt continues to be an important technology for Nokia and it is critical that Qt's growth and success can continue. While Nokia will continue to invest in developing Qt as a cross-platform framework for mobile, desktop and embedded segments, focusing on open source development and expansion, we wanted a partner who can drive the commercial licensing and services business around Qt. Digia has proven, in-depth Qt expertise, operational excellence and a keen interest in growing and improving the overall Qt community and so well positioned to expand the Qt Commercial licensing and services business.”
[Qt blog]