This week’s Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona will see demonstrations of Linux-based handset technologies, including the LiMo platform from the LiMo Foundation, a consortium including several phone makers and a major operator. Does this indicate that mobile Linux is finally ready for the mainstream?

Backers of Linux-based phones hope to build an ecosystem where handset makers and carriers have access to a standardised platform that can be customised, and which will also have lower licensing and development costs.

But success hinges on whether such handsets can be made an attractive proposition. Business users seem content with their Nokia handsets, most of which already have the capabilities firms need. To compete, Linux has to be at least as good, and cheaper.

The problem Linux has is that few business customers really care what platform their phones run, so long as they work. A more pressing concern is getting the best-value voice and data tariff, to avoid paying any more than necessary for mobile services.