Mobile Companies Try To Reduce Java FragmentationMobile Companies Try To Reduce Java Fragmentation

A consortium of mobile heavyweights has agreed to some programs that could make it cheaper and easier to create and deploy applications based on Java Micro Edition.

Access, Orange, Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Sun Microsystems, and Vodafone are tackling the issue of fragmentation, and they will be implementing testing programs that potentially could get apps out quicker, as well as provide a consistent experience across multiple handsets.

The Java Verified program has handled testing and signing needs for about five years, and it will be getting some enhancements to streamline the process. The testing procedure is now handled via one full test per platform, which should make testing faster and less expensive. There will also be a publisher ID that provides a tamper-proof digital certificate to identify the origin of the app.

The companies are also collaborating on an open source project that will be known as the Java Application Terminal Alignment Framework. This will provide tests and frameworks that ensure the app can function consistently across a large deployment of devices. The tests are built to run on the Java Device Test Framework, and it is available to the community under the General Public License, version 2.

"Over the last 12 years the Java platform has done more than any other technology to address the fragmentation inherent across the consumer electronics and IT industries," said Jeet Kaul, senior VP for Java technology at Sun, in a statement. "Our contribution of the Java Device Test Framework reflects our commitment to JATAF's important work and we look forward to ensuring that both JATAF and the Java Verified Program make Java ME an even better platform to develop and invest in."

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