Nokia has been ranked at the top of the latest Vendor Matrix released by ABI Research.

Garmin and Intrinsyc claimed the second and third spots in the company’s new evaluation of worldwide on-board handset-based navigation software vendors.

The Vendor Matrix is an analytical tool developed by ABI Research to provide a clear understanding of vendors’ positions in specific markets. Vendors are assessed on the important parameters of “innovation” and “implementation” across several criteria unique to each vendor matrix.

Research director Dominique Bonte comments: “Despite the fact that Nokia only has a branded Nokia Maps offer available on its own handsets, it is ranked as number one due to superior navigation features, a state of the art map upgrade and download tool, true global presence and an innovative pricing model based on monthly fees.”

Second-placed Garmin excelled in the high quality of its navigation software, its ability to establish partnerships as a white label software provider with handset manufacturers such as Samsung and its Google-based local search feature.

“Third-ranked Intrinsyc is the rising star,” Bonte adds, “thanks to its Soleus flexible and open software platform and the recent acquisition of most of the assets of Destinator Technologies.”

The absence of TomTom in the top three is remarkable and is due to a lack of focus on handset-based navigation.

For this particular matrix, under "innovation," ABI Research examined the availability and quality of navigation features, local search functions, traffic information, map upgrades and pricing options.

Under "implementation," ABI Research scrutinized the following criteria: market share, number of partnerships, marketing strategy, customization, quality and global coverage.

To view a chart showing the rankings of the “top ten” firms in this Vendor Matrix, please visit On-Board Handset-based Navigation Software Vendor Matrix. Registration on the ABI Research website (free) is required. Access to the rankings and profiles of all companies surveyed is available to clients of ABI Research.

This Vendor Matrix forms part of ABI Research’s Location Aware Services Research Service. For a list of all ABI Research Vendor Matrices, please visit The ABI Research Vendor Matrix.

ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets.  Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives.  For information, visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.