Java is emerging strongly as the leading platform for the development of interactive, multimedia, connected applications over a variety of mobile devices. The Java 2 for Mobile Devices (J2ME) platform was designed by Sun Microsystems to work under the limited constraints of a mobile device. J2ME is now an open cross-platform standard already adopted by leading handset manufactures worldwide, and cellular network operators worldwide have also announced their intention to support this technology. The deployment of wireless Java data services (albeit with their own proprietary versions) is already a proven success in Korea (SK Telecom, LG Telecom) and Japan (NTT Docomo, KDDI, J-Phone). In the U.S., several operators (Cingular - formerly Bell South, Nextel, and Sprint PCS) have announced the rollout of wireless services using Java technology. With the impending global introduction of Java-enabled devices, IDA is encouraging Singapore companies to have a head start in the development of innovative and commercially viable wireless applications and services.
In October 2001, the IDA announced the Wireless Java Call for Collaboration (CFC). It sought to encourage the development, trial and pilot of innovative applications and to spur the adoption of wireless Java technology and position Singapore as an early adopter and leader of wireless open-standards Java technology in Asia. It aimed to promote pioneering wireless Java solutions with long term commercial viability.
Six project consortia had been awarded the Wireless Java Solutions CFC to deploy pilot projects between May and November 2002. The projects included: Wireless Financial Portal on J2ME Phones; J2ME Application Enabler for Mobile Devices; Mobile Communication Centre; Elixir Report Mobile Edition; and Wireless Web Services Framework for Mobilisation of Enterprise Applications. The awarded projects covered both consumer and business segments, ranging from J2ME stock quotes application with live streaming data to remote access to manufacturing data.
For enquiries, please email CFC@ida.gov.sg.