Sun Microsystems Inc., the inventor of Java technology is embracing ARM Ltd., a provider of microprocessor solutions, to optimize applications for handsets.
ARM, which has about 75 percent market share in providing processor chips for wireless devices, is throwing in its Jazelle technology which will be incorporated with J2ME technology.
“The agreement will allow the two companies to align their respective Java technology roadmaps and collaborate on new Java technology, targeted specifically at embedded applications commonly found in wireless or mobile devices,” said Sun Microsystems in a statement.
Both companies indicated in a teleconference call that they are eyeing an expanding handset market, especially with the coming of the next generation of technologies.
While Texas Instruments digital signal processors take care of memories and storage, the Jazelle is designed to optimize applications for the subscriber.
“It simplifies the process of making handsets,” remarked David Harrah, group manager of Java public relations. “It makes it easier for the designers of wireless devices to integrate Java in their systems because it is already integrated into their chip.”
Rich Green, Sun’s vice president, Java Software, said both companies can license the Java technology.
“We see ARM as underpinning a great deal of microprocessor technology in consumer electronics,” he said. “The ARM Jazelle technology provides a highly optimized implementation of the Java Virtual Machine, speeding up execution times and providing consumers with an enriched user experience on their mobile devices,” said Green.
The companies said they would not announce any customers as yet.
“We are seeing a significant increase in demand from OEMs to provide Java implementations for devices such as PDAs and mobile phones, and ARM will play a central part in this,” said Robin Saxby, chairman and chief executive officer of ARM.
ARM announced last year that Jazelle was available for Java technology extensions for microprocessor cores to execute hardware and software Java byte code.
J2ME is an independent application platform attracting a community of up to 350 companies, and it allows the companies to develop their own profiles of the platform. One of the profiles is the mobile information device platform, which will be built into phones made by Nokia Corp.
Harrah said Jazelle is made to be J2ME compliant although the phone designer has the option to use other platforms.
