Why wireless developers need Java technology
18 July 2001
News
Although wireless technology is developing at a rocket speed, many of today's implementations are still running on diesel. This is according to e-commerce player Sun Microsystems whose Java technology is set to bridge the gap and provide the capabilities needed to successfully run secure and compelling wireless applications and services.
"Java technology has arrived in the wireless space - and the opportunities for developers are plentiful. As part of the new release of the Java 2 Mobile Edition (J2ME) platform, Sun has introduced important software components that speed and standardise the use of Java applications on wireless services," says Lodewyk de Beer, Senior Systems Engineer focusing on wireless and mobile at Sun Microsystems SA.
Java technology provides numerous opportunities to wireless developers. The new version of the J2ME platform includes the connected limited device configuration (CLDC) and the mobile device profile (MIDP).
"Developers will be able to visually check the behaviour and the appearance of their applications, before downloading them on a physical device," says de Beer.
There are various reasons why developers should utilise Java technology in their ongoing struggle to keep abreast of the latest developments in wireless technology.
"Firstly, Java provides for cross-platform compatibility. Applications written to Java technology device profiles will run on multiple devices. Users can therefore run identical services on pagers, PDAs and phones. As long as it is written to the CLDC and MIDP profile specifications, you could download the same application on Motorola and Nokia phones and they will run exactly the same," says de Beer.
Developers can also write richer and more useful applications using Java technology than with the browser-based environment, such as WAP or i-mode, being used today. Java-based applications have richer graphics, with faster interaction. A key benefit is that Java technology phone applications can run even when a phone is disconnected or out of a coverage area.
"When you use an application on a WAP-enabled handset, you need to be connected all the time. But with Java you are still going to be able to run most of your applications on the phone, even if you are not in a coverage area," says de Beer.
The new generation of Java technology phones also provides for increased security.
For further information contact Elise Roscoe, Sun Microsystems SA, (011) 256 6300.
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