Sun Aligns With Symbian, NTT Docomo

By: Robert Keenan, Managing Editor

Over the past two days, Sun Microsystems (Palo Alto, CA) has announced alliances with Symbian (London, UK) and NTT Docomo (Japan). Through these pacts, the company is pushing its Java technology further into the wireless arena.

Under the first agreement, which was announced at this week's CeBIT show, Symbian has agreed to incorporate Sun's Java technology as part of its standard EPOC system platform. By doing this, Symbian is providing its licensee access to Java technology during the design of wireless information devices employing EPOC operating system (OS).

Combining Java with the EPOC OS provides some key advantages for wireless information device developers. The main advantage, according to Sun and Symbian, is the ability to allow users to work with the same applications across a range of networked consumer devices using different microprocessors and operating systems. This increases the functionality and communication capabilities of a wireless information device.

The Second Pact
As stated above, Sun has also struck a deal with NTT Docomo. Under the pact, NTT agreed to use Sun's software in its cellular phone services. According to NTT, Sun's Java, Jini, and Java card technology will be used to improve security for telephone banking, downloading f games, and other Internet access.

Docomo plans to launch a prototype mobile phones using Sun's technology later this year. The company is also considering Sun's technology for its wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) cell phones, which are expected to reach the market within the next few years.

Some Background
Sun's two announcements this week closely follow an announcement made by Symbian and NTT Docomo. In this announcement, Symbian and NTT announced that they are creating joint R&D programs aimed at providing support for devices developed on Symbian's EPOC OS platform.

For more information on the EPOC OS, visit Ericsson, Nokia, Psion Form Joint Venture.