Core Concepts

Electronic News, Jan 17, 2000 by Jeff Chappell

Access, Sun Team for Embedded Java

Milpitas, Calif.-based Sun Microsystems is teaming up with Access Co. Ltd. of Japan to provide Java-compatible virtual machines in embedded devices. Access will develop JV-Lite2, a version of Sun's Java platform for embedded devices that is fully compliant and meets the requirements of the Java compatibility test suite. JV-Lite2 will include an optional integrated Internet browser for devices such as portable telephones, digital televisions and personal digital assistants. "With its strong presence in Japan, Access expects to help accelerate the deployment of network appliances and consumer embedded devices," said Curtis Sasaki, director, product marketing, Sun Microsystems. Access estimates that it has more than 80 percent of the embedded browser market for Internet appliances in Japan. Access' NetFront and Compact NetFront browsers include the optional full software support for Internet access. Applications embedding Access' NetFront browser include digital televisions, set-top boxes, Web phones, game machines and word processors. The NetFront browser is embedded into three of the four top NTT DoCoMo's i-Mode Internet phones in Japan.