Java Micro Edition for small and micro devices

Oracle has released various Java-ME-based products for embedded systems in the run-up to the JavaOne 2012 conference to be held next week. Version 3.2 of Oracle's Java ME Embedded is a new client runtime solution that is based on the Java Micro Edition for mobile phones, but designed for small and very small embedded devices, such as micro-controllers. The Java Embedded Suite 7.0, on the other hand, is a middleware suite for Java ME Embedded that consists of a GlassFish application server which is customised for embedded systems and hosts the Jersey Web Services Framework for RESTful applications.

The release of Java ME Embedded is noteworthy because in the embedded market, up until now, the main use of Java has involved larger projects such as medical devices and use of the Java Standard Edition (SE), while the Java Micro Edition (ME) has mainly been used in Blu-ray players and various set-top boxes. Oracle specifically notes that micro-controllers in industrial control systems, home automation, sensors and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) systems are the target market for the new embedded Java variant.

Java ME Embedded 3.2 is designed for devices with ARM processors and as little as 30 kB of RAM and 350 kB of ROM (Cortex-M, Cortex-A), and includes a full JDK (Java Development Kit) – the new Java ME SDK 3.2 – as well as the also new Oracle Java Wireless Client 3.2.

(crve)