Sun Microsystems Thursday unveiled the roadmap for Java Technology for the Wireless Industry (JTWI), an initiative to create a complete platform to help vendors develop wireless services for mobile phones.
Also known as Java specification request (JSR) 185, JTWI was hashed out over the last two years by the Java Community Process in response to what mobile phone makers are saying is a clear need to have one cohesive platform on which to develop Java software for wireless services.
The move is also a competitive response to Microsoft’s influential slot in the mobile platform sector. The major Sun rival, according to analysts, has come on strong in the past year with its own PocketPC, Windows CE or SmartPhone platforms. Industry experts say Microsoft assumes control of the hardware design, giving them more options with vendors — something Sun and the JCP have yet to do.
JSR 185 aims to rectify that, Sun said. And, while it may not immediately solve the “write once, run anywhere” conundrum that Sun and Java developers have worked at for so long, it is a step in the direction.
JSR 185 clarifies how programming models work together to form a Java runtime environment that enables services on mobile handsets. The JSR 185 road map will allow carriers to better plan their application deployment strategy; let device makers to better determine their product plans; and offer content developers a clear path for their application development.
The need seems logical from a market perspective and wireless specialists, including Motorola, Nokia, Research In Motion (RIM), Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Symbian, T-Mobile, Vodafone and NTT DoCoMo, have fostered the JSR 185 effort. After all, Sun said Java has rolled out on more than 50 million units all over the world, with hardware vendors shipping more than 80 models of Java-enabled handsets. Scores of users, particularly in Asia and Europe, are using Java-enabled phones for messaging, Web browsing, and multimedia activities such as listening to music or playing games. Analysts believe once standards are hashed out and more flexible models can be made, the U.S. may pick them up.
To be clear, this is hardly the first endeavor in this niche. Related specifications, such as Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2METM), CLDC 1.0 and MIDP 2.0, and application programming interfaces (APIs), such as the Wireless Messaging API and Mobile Media API have been introduced by groups within JCP.
Any combination of these technologies can be used on small devices and equipment with limited memory. But while these provide a programming environment they do not make clear how these technologies can be integrated to form a complete working method to ensure wireless services on handsets. That’s where JSR 185 come in.
Philip Gilchrist, Vice President of PCS Global Standards and Technology Asset Management at Motorola, believes strongly in the benefits of the spec.
“The market for wireless devices will soon serve over 1 billion users, offering an unparalleled opportunity for application developers to invent value-adding services that make consumers lives fun and less complex,” Gilchrist said. “Motorola’s vision is that J2ME will be established as the OS independent application development environment of choice for the cellular industry. Motorola believes that JSR 185 is key to achieving this vision.”
A specification that ensures the interoperability if JSR 185 is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2003. Devices that meet this spec should be available in the fall of 2003.