Metrowerks and Partners to Deliver Out-of-Box Development Solution for Java-Enabled Wireless Devices

Business Wire, Dec 12, 2000

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

PALMSOURCE 2000

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2000

Company Teams with PointBase, Eliad Technologies and NewMonics to

Help Developers Create Enterprise-Ready Applications

for Wireless Devices

Metrowerks is teaming up with technology partners to provide an out-of-box solution for developing applications that connect Java-enabled wireless devices -- such as handhelds, two-way pagers, and smart phones -- to enterprise databases and applications.

The solution, which Metrowerks plans to make available in the first quarter of 2001, will combine the familiar CodeWarrior(R) Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and tool set with tested third-party components.

"The idea behind this solution is to provide everything needed to create an application that's ready-made for customers who want to use wireless devices to connect to their information systems," said Greg Stoner, vice president of marketing, Metrowerks. "We're providing development tools, a synchronized database, a Java virtual machine and data visualization tools -- all in one box -- eliminating the need to piece together components and make them work. For developers, that translates into reduced time to market."

Using the CodeWarrior tools with PointBase Inc.'s (http://www.pointbase.com) pure Java, JDBC- and ODBC-compliant database, developers will be able to create applications that manage and synchronize information between the target device and legacy databases. With its small memory footprint, zero administration, and support for Sun Microsystems' Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) platform, the PointBase database is ideal for applications targeted at small devices that require persistent storage for disconnected use.

Also included is the iSmartGrid, Eliad Technologies' (http://www.eliad.com) small footprint Java visualization technology that allows developers to display data in tables, grids and spreadsheets. With support for Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) / K Virtual Machine (KVM) and Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP), the iSmartGrid extends legacy systems to a broad range of wireless devices, including Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), smart phones and pagers.

"Java applications on wireless devices need to be fast, lightweight and available either connected or in standalone mode," said Madalina Stroe, CEO, Eliad Technologies. "Combining small footprint data display with storage and synchronizing capabilities on a lightweight Java virtual machine, our partnership with Metrowerks offers developers a complete wireless package in one IDE."

Finally, the solution includes NewMonics' (http://www.newmonics.com) PERC(R) virtual machine (VM), a clean-room implementation of the Java platform, independently developed yet fully compatible with the Java Virtual Machine Specification. PERC has been specifically developed and optimized for small footprint embedded devices such as PDAs. For smaller wireless devices compliant with CLDC and MIDP, such as cell phones, Motorola provides a KVM that ships with the CodeWarrior tool suite.

Together, the components form a complete development solution for creating applications that seamlessly connect Java-enabled wireless devices to enterprise databases and applications.

About Metrowerks

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Metrowerks develops, markets and supports CodeWarrior hardware and software development solutions for a number of operating systems and the most popular microprocessors. CodeWarrior allows programmers to build applications from one unique integrated development environment (IDE). In September of 1999, Metrowerks became an independently operating subsidiary of Motorola Inc. For more information, please visit the Metrowerks Web site at http://www.metrowerks.com.

Metrowerks, the Metrowerks logo and CodeWarrior are registered trademarks of Metrowerks Corp.

All other company and product names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies/holders, and are hereby recognized.