What is it?
JavaFX Mobile
is a software platform for advanced mobile devices. It is designed
to allow developers to create sophisticated applications and
network-based services. The system is built around open and
standards-based technologies.
The Java programming language was developed by Sun Microsystems.
At Sun's last count in May, there were about 1.5 billion
Java-enabled phones in circulation. But, so far, Java on mobile
devices has been used mostly for niche applications, such as
games.
"The limited success of Java on the client side contrasts
sharply with its long-standing dominance in enterprise server
platforms and applications," said Gartner. The analyst firm
attributed this limited uptake to "a lack of high-productivity
developer tools, disruptive changes in user interface libraries,
and the lack of control in being able to adapt the technology
foundation to meet changing requirements".
JavaFX Mobile aims to address these issues. Sun plans to license
JavaFX Mobile to phone manufacturers, and it predicts a potential
market of 5.5 billion Java-powered mobile devices.
For Java developers, Sun offers the Mobile Services Architecture
(MSA) for consumer devices, and the forthcoming MSA Advanced for
enterprise applications.
Where did it originate?
JavaFX Mobile was developed by SavaJe Technologies. It was
purchased by Sun Microsystems in April 2007.
MSA was developed by Sun and 13 other companies, including
telecoms operators, original equipment manufacturers and software
suppliers, through the Java Community Process.
What's it for?
JavaFX Mobile standardises the development environment by
providing a Java middleware and application stack. This should
enable developers to concentrate on applications rather than the
particularities of the underlying technology. JavaFX Mobile
supports Java ME applications and other standard Java application
programming interfaces (APIs).
MSA is intended to provide application developers with greater
handset platform functionality and reduce implementation variation
through standard APIs. It is aimed at relatively static, pre-loaded
environments.
MSA Advanced is intended to be "dynamic", with APIs available
for download and support for access to enterprise applications via
middleware such as BEA Weblogic and IBM Websphere.
What makes it special?
For the first time, developers should be able to "write once,
run anywhere" for Java-enabled phones and mobile devices.
How difficult is it to master?
JavaFX Script is intended to be easier to code than Java, and
Sun promises visual development tools to enable web applications to
be built without coding.
What's coming up?
Hardware manufacturers are expected to ship JavaFX Mobile
handsets in the first half of 2008. MSA-compliant handsets should
be available in January.
Rates of pay
Salaries for Java developers typically start at £30,000.
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Source code
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