Sun Plans Renewed Mobile Java Effort

By James Quintana Pearce - Tue 08 May 2007 12:16 AM PST

At the JavaOne conference Sun Microsystems plans to announce a new Java-tied scripting language called JavaFX Script, which is “a simpler scripting language for writing applications on Java-equipped desktop PCs and handheld devices”, reports CNet. Sun is attempting to revive interest in Java for rich internet application development, with the script being more productive and easier than Java, and aimed at consumers and individuals rather than enterprises.

On the mobile side Sun is launching JavaFX Mobile, technology gained through the acquisition of IP from SavaJe, which is aimed at handset manufacturers and designed to make Java applications more portable across mobile phones.

The NYT has a post on the story, noting that in addition to mobile phones Sun will market the JavaFX system to makers of television set-top boxes, navigation devices and automobile dashboards. While the JavaFX software will be offered under an open-source license, Sun “is clearly hoping that it will persuade handset makers and carriers to take commercial licenses on the handset version of the software, JavaFX Mobile”, writes NYT. “The cellphone is really the next frontier in terms of what will be the next big win in software,” said Richard Monson Haefel, a senior analyst at the Burton Group. “Sun is trying to get that position.” It will be competing with Symbian, Microsoft, Palm, RIM and others.