Mobile phone giant Nokia is dumping its Symbian professional services unit, selling the group to Accenture in a move that raises questions about the mobile operating system's future. The sale, for an undisclosed amount, will see Nokia (NYSE: NOK) part ways with a group that focuses on software development for handset manufacturers -- rivals for Nokia's core business. It also serves chip manufacturers and mobile carriers.

Nokia said about 165 employees will join Accenture (NYSE: ACN) as a result of the transaction, which is slated to conclude in third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.

The move further clouds Nokia's relationship with Symbian, the mobile operating system in which it had been a partner for years and on which it has been banking heavily as a foil to upcoming rivals.

It also comes less than a day after Nokia cut its profitability and market share forecasts as competitors like Apple make greater inroads into the business.

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