Enterprise J2ME Developing Mobile Java Applications [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

2.5 Competing Technologies

Finally, it is worth noting that J2ME is not the only technology that enables mobile commerce. Leading competing technologies are as follows.

WAP/WML: WAP/WML is a platform for thin client applications (i.e. microbrowser-based applications). The thin client paradigm is completely different from the smart client paradigm enabled by the J2ME (Chapters 3 and 4). J2ME smart clients are likely to replace WAP/XML applications in the future.

BREW: Qualcomm's Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless (BREW) is a technology that supports rich client development and provisioning. BREW applications are written in C/C++ and run natively on BREW-enabled phones. However, only a limited number of phones support BREW. Although BREW native applications can be heavily optimized, they are not executed in managed environments and therefore are prone to programming errors. J2ME applications could run on BREW devices through a J2ME runtime for BREW (e.g., the BREW MIDP runtimes from IBM and Insignia).

NET Compact Framework (.NET CF): Microsoft's .NET CF is the closest competition to the J2ME. Like J2ME, it targets smart-managed mobile clients development. It has a strong focus on enterprise applications. However, the .NET CF runs only on high-end Windows CE and PocketPC devices. For a detailed analysis of the .NET CF and J2ME, please refer to the articles in the "Resources" section.