|
Global
News
May
30, 2003
Korea
adopts Java as wireless Internet platform
UNITED
STATES -- Korea has adopted the Java platform for its
wireless Internet platform for interoperability (WIPI),
according to Sun Microsystems Inc. Sun and the Korean
Wireless Internet Standardization Forum (KWISF), a consortium
led by Korean network operators SK Telecom, KTF, and
LG Telecom, recently signed an agreement in Seoul in
this regard. The two also agreed to jointly develop
and commercialize the next version of WIPI.
WIPI
was developed as Korea's wireless Internet standard
for mobile handsets to open the national mobile Internet
network and expand the customers' choice, while also
harmonising the development efforts of Korean telecommunications
companies. As part of the agreement, WIPI will adopt
the Java 2 platform, micro edition (J2ME) as its official
specification. J2ME is the Java platform for consumer
and embedded devices such as wireless handsets, PDAs,
TV set-top boxes, in-vehicle telematics systems, and
a broad range of embedded devices.
With
Java technology-enabled handsets, consumers will be
able to personalize their handsets with applications
such as games, infotainment, and location-based services,
while companies will be able to offer mobile employees
secure access to corporate networks. Seventy-five million
Java handsets are currently in use worldwide. Java is
a set of standard APIs defined through the JCP (www.jcp.org)
program by expert groups that include leading device
manufacturers, software vendors and service providers.
The adoption of Java wireless data services through
the JCP and further in WIPI through the KWISF development
process facilitates the co-ordination of efforts between
these two standards processes. Members of KWISF now
join more than 35 wireless operators worldwide to standardize
wireless data services on Java.
Alan
Brenner of Sun Microsystems said: "Korea is one
of the most advanced cell phone markets in the world.
The decision to make Java technology an integral part
of Korea's wireless standard underscores the significant
value that early adopters place on this technology.
Through the Java Community Process (SM) (JCP SM), we
plan to work together with members of KWISF to develop
new features and functions for mobile handsets in line
with WIPI. This will support application developers
in Korea and help them to bring new handset experiences
to local wireless subscribers."
Dr.
Heung-Nam Kim of KWISF added: "The collaboration
of JCP and WIPI specifications will enhance the global
development of next-generation wireless technologies
based on interoperable, standards-based platforms. It
will enable WIPI to be a more viable platform technology
specification in the international market."
Contact:
Sun Microsystems Inc.
408-276-5292 office
Email: rebecca.lui@sun.com
Web: www.sun.com
|
