Last week, the 2008 Mobile Rules dinner celebrating the finalists in 6 different categories, was held at the San Jose City Hall. The event was sponsored by Nokia, Finnode, several VC firms and other well known mobile companies. There were some great companies and new ideas among the 50+ finalists. Categories included Multiplayer & connected games mobile applications, Multimedia mobile applications, Enterprise mobile applications, Infotainment mobile applications, technology innovation and mobile business plans. Definitely worth networking with some of the most brightest, developers and entrepreneurs who are creating new value for the mobile lifestyle.

I realize just how much I don’t understand the recent history the gaming. Last week I was provided with the url of a web site called “for the love of gaming” put together by Scott Foe of Nokia. It seems that if you can answer all of the questions it reveals a character of a new game being introduced later this year. Unfortunately, I don’t seem to be able to get any more than 5 answers right each time I try.

On December 4th 2007, Avvenu was acquired by Nokia. This means that the Avvenu services will now be provided by the world’s leading mobile communications company. With Nokia’s global stature, the Avvenu service is available to more people than we could ever have reached as a startup.

I’m impressed with the direction Nokia is taking to transform itself into the next generation Internet company. With my role on the Avvenu transition complete, I accepted the position of Head of New Businesses, reporting to Ilkka Raiskinen.

The New Businesses team analyzes and explores service business opportunities outside of current Services and Software scope using Nokia’s existing assets in new service solutions. The New Businesses team resides in the Context, Advertising and Emerging markets service line, but the scope expands to explore new possibilities in all service lines.

I’m extremely excited with my new role at Nokia and am looking forward to the challenges ahead.