The world's largest mobile phone manufacturer and
Europe's largest wireless operator have launched an initiative to
simplify Java standards for mobile devices.
The move is aimed to help developers create software for
multiple Java-enabled devices, therefore providing users with a
wider choice of Java-based applications.
Under the initiative, Nokia and Vodafone hope to drive the
development of specifications for an open standards-based mobile
Java services architecture.
While the initiative does not plan to introduce any new API
(application programming interface) specifications, it does intend
to establish a number of new component Java Specification Requests
and clarifications to existing specifications in a move to define a
consistent Java API services architecture. This unified services
architecture, the compnaies said, will enable Java-based
applications to run on mobile devices from multiple suppliers.
The architecture will also include security enhancements for
services such as the delivery and administration of software
components to mobile devices over-the-air, resulting in cost
savings for mobile software maintenance.
Moreover, the initiative seeks to harmonise Java licensing terms
in conjunction with Sun Microsystems.
Several leading players in the global mobile phone industry have
already signaled support for the initiative, including the mobile
phone operators Orange and T-Mobile and handset manufacturers
Siemens and Sony Ericsson.
The objectives and responsibilities of the unified mobile Java
services architecture will be aligned and coordinated with several
organisations, such as the OSGIi Alliance, the Open Mobile
Alliance, the Open Mobile Terminal Platform and the World Wide Web
Consortium.
All specifications achieved by the initiative will ensure
backward compatibility with the MIDP (Mobile Information Device
Profile) environment, according to Nokia and Vodafone.
John Blau writes for IDG News Service