Sun Microsystems Inc. last week signed two separate memorandums of understanding designed to
further its presence in the wireless industry.
The first MoU calls for Japan’s NTT DoCoMo to deploy the company’s
Java, Jini and JavaCard technologies in its i-mode digital cellular phone and wireless services and support products.
The MoU also covers next-generation wideband Code Division Multiple Access services.
The i-mode phone and
services allow customers to browse the Internet, check e-mail and use online services such as e-commerce, city guide
and public transportation navigation aid, said the company. Sun said the Java and Jini technologies will provide
enhanced security for mission-critical applications like online banking and trading. The technologies also will provide
increased functionality, including game downloading services and interactivity with other devices on the
network.
“Our alliance with NTT DoCoMo sets a real milestone for the adoption of Java and Jini technologies
in the consumer device market,” said Mark Tolliver, president of Sun Microsystems’ Consumer and Embedded
sector.
The second MoU, which is subject to further negotiation and a definitive agreement, calls for Sun’s Java
technology to be incorporated in Symbian’s standard EPOC platform.
The combination would allow users to work
with the same applications across a range of networked consumer devices that use different microprocessors and
operating systems, said the company.
