Sun strikes partnership to increase Java’s role in wireless

Sun Microsystems today announced it will collaborate with Arm, a provider of embedded RISC microprocessor solutions that plans to incorporate licensed versions of Sun’s technology into its Jazelle microprocessors.

Officials hope the two companies will develop new Java technology specifically for embedded applications found in wireless or mobile devices.

“Our goal is to ensure that the folks at Arm have access to our technology for study and also to ensure that what they put into silicon is optimized for a fully-compliant Java platform,” said Rich Green, vice president, Java Software, Sun Microsystems.

Arm had about 75% of the market share in the RISC microprocessor space last year, said a spokeswoman for the company.

“This is a powerful combo in terms of the volume [of devices] we can access together,” she said. “Both companies are in a good position to deliver the broad range of solutions that exist in this particular market segment.”

Sun hopes collaborating with Arm on new Java technology ultimately will give OEMs what they need to get wireless devices more attuned to Java.

“The folks at Arm have expertise in silicon technology and chip technology, and the company is a significant player in terms of microprocessor development,” Green said.

“The value of the relationship will be beneficial to carriers, because it will allow them to create new applications and services. It also will be good for handset folks, because they will be able to adopt a wide variety of applications without having to develop them themselves.”

The partnership is expected to accelerate the work being done with Java technology on the chip level, he continued.