Open source, open platforms, open development environments... 'Open' can mean a lot of things, and the differences between one 'open' and another can be significant. David ?Lefty? Schelsinger will examine the various aspects and uses of the term 'open' as it relates to the current evolving mobile software space. Where does open source code make sense? Is simply being open source sufficient? Does openness necessarily mean fragmentation, and if so, what's the best way to forestall that? There are many platforms based on open source code to greater or lesser degrees, many 'open development platforms' and a number of initiatives--LiMo, LiPS, GNOME Mobile, the Open Handset Alliance, and others--dedicated to putting open source software on mobile devices. What are the differences between them? Are they competitive or cooperative? This discussion will describe the landscape, identify the players and contrast the approaches being taken. The ACCESS Linux Platform will be featured in this context as an alternative to the iPhone platform, as well as the approach to enabling third-party developers, and addressing the needs of the marketplace and the requirements of operators and device manufacturers.