Pure Java Platform Powers Smart Phone

Java continues to dominate as the development platform for smart phones. Now SavaJe Technologies takes it to the extreme by delivering an exclusively Java platform. The SavaJe Mobile Platform exposes a multitasking Java virtual machine (JVM) and nothing more. There's no native operating system, nor are there any application programming interfaces (APIs) (Fig. 1).

This approach brings significant advantages when it comes to development, portability, and security, primarily because Java is the only language and software framework in use. It also reduces the overall system complexity. The first deployment of the SavaJe (pronounced savage) is on the ARM9-based Jasper S20 GSM smart phone, which comes with a built-in 1.3-Mpixel camera (Fig. 2).

The SavaJe Mobile Platform is a function-rich Java environment. It includes Connected Device Configuration (CDC) and Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) support, Foundation Profile, Personal Basis Profile, and JSR 209. The Advanced Graphics and User Interface Optional Package for the J2ME Platform—JSR 209—is still in the final draft stages. It also should provide a more consistent development base, especially for smart phones that support the Swing graphical components.

SavaJe can handle CDC Xlets for mobile applications in addition to Mobile Information Device 2.0 (MIDP2.0) and MIDlet support. Moreover, it supports JSR 185, JAIN (Java API for Integrated Networks) SIP Lite. This provides an interface to the underlying Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) stack. By including these and other JSRs (Java Specification Requests), developers can concentrate on applications-built on standards rather than having to develop custom-support.

Furthermore, SavaJe supports the standard Java development platforms, including Eclipse and NetBeans. It also supports the development JSRs for debugging, tracing, and testing. This is important for target testing, yet it also means that development is portable. Developers can create applications using an emulator without the need for target hardware.

While the SavaJe platform has been delivered on a smart phone, it equally suits other embedded applications. SavaJe currently supports Texas Instruments' OMAP 2.5/EDGE as well as Intel's XScale. Additional platforms are being developed. Manufactured by Group Sense Limited, a developer's version of the Jasper S20 is available.

SavaJe Technologies
www.savaje.com