TORONTO, CANADA: Toronto-based Koolu announced that it is optimizing and supporting the Android platform on Openmoko's Free and Open Source-based mobile phone, the FreeRunner.

On the heels of Google's release of Android source code, a beta version of the Koolu version of Android will be available the first week of December as one of several choices of platforms on the Openmoko phone.

Koolu will support developers who want the freedom of Open Source to create and sell customized mobile devices in emerging growth markets. Koolu's service program, targeted at Google enterprise professionals in global growth markets, moves a capital expenditure for phones to a low-priced expense item, reducing capital outlays and operating costs, yet giving high-quality support from their local Google Apps integrator.

"We selected Openmoko's FreeRunner because users can purchase a pre-paid GSM SIM card in foreign countries and use that country's local service as easily as their service at home, and can choose a VoIP service or various WiFi hot-spots around the world," said Koolu CEO, Andrew Greig. "It's their choice. Customers will receive support for the software and hardware, yet be able to choose their own GSM provider and VoIP provider, as well as other independent services."

"Openmoko welcomes Koolu's efforts to optimize the community lead port of Google's Android platform on the FreeRunner," said Steven Mosher VP of marketing Openmoko. "That's the benefit of having an open platform. Their market focus complements ours. The Open Source community wants choice and Koolu and Openmoko deliver it."

Koolu will sell FreeRunners with Koolu's image of Android factory installed to developers, end users, distributors and value added resellers, such as SDG Systems, who have partnered with Koolu to address the VAR channel in the US.

"SDG is pleased to work with Koolu and Openmoko to address US markets. SDG has served the mobile Linux marketplace in the US since 2001. Our customers and partners in government and enterprise industries welcome the addition of the Freerunner and Android, along with Google App services from Koolu," said Todd Blumer, president of SDG Systems.