VMxp

Introduction:
VMxp(TM) Java Virtual Machine is one of CSOFT 's core products. It is designed to power next generation handheld devices such as cell phones and PDAs by providing a Java runtime environment for a wide array of J2ME applications, VMxp(TM) is CSOFT 's implementation of Sun Microsystems' KVM technology and is fully compliant with CLDC (Connected Limited Device Configuration) and MIDP (Mobile Information Device Profile) standards. VMxp(TM) can be interfaced quickly with native systems such as REX and Nucleus on a variety of hardware devices.

VMxp(TM) is developed by taking advantage of existing hardware capabilities and fully optimizing the core Java functionalities, resulting in a highly optimized and extremely compact application kernel. VMxp(TM) forms a basic low-level OS for J2ME applications designed for 2.5G and 3G wireless networks, delivering flexibility, scalability, security, and compatibility among next generation Java-enabled devices.

VMxp(TM) consists of the CLDC and MIDP layers. The CLDC provides the J2ME kernel and file management and the MIDP layer supports graphics, networking, limited database support, and contains selected classes from the java.io, java.lang, and java.util packages. VMxp(TM) virtual machine has many benefits over older Java technology such as PersonalJava. One key advantage is size. A PersonalJava implementation can take several megabytes of combined static storage and RAM. In contrast, a VMxp(TM) implementation can often run comfortably in 512k or less of combined storage and RAM. Another advantage is that the GUI components have been designed with smaller screens and more limited keyboard/keypad input in mind.

• Advanced Technology
  Based on Sun KVM standards and taking advantage of CSOFT 's expert Java engineering capabilities, VMxp(TM) has been developed to create a lean and powerful Java runtime environment. The VMxp(TM) has undergone exhaustive testing on the Palm platform and mobile phone systems to ensure consistent performance.
  
• Resource and Runtime Efficient
  VMxp(TM) uses an extremely small footprint in its kernel design and class files, requiring minimal memory to fully function; VMxp(TM) core functionalities can be further extended by allowing internal class libraries to be dynamically updated and modified to add new features at runtime.
  
• Security
  One of VMxp(TM) strengths is its robust byte-code level security. Unlike standard C applications, J2ME applications running in VMxp(TM) have to go through a byte-code pre-verifier to examine its code integrity. At this stage, there is no local device JNI (Java Native Interface) support. KVM developers are unable to do extensive security verification using other Java versions. Once an application is running, it cannot access system resources outside of a 'sandbox,' preventing applications from acting as viruses.
  
• Portability
  Minimal native system reliance makes VMxp(TM) highly portable. Tasks such as garbage collection are carried out using methods unrelated to the native system; allowing VMxp(TM) to be easily ported to different hardware devices.
  
• Flexibility >
  VMxp(TM) allows its internal function sets to be rearranged and modified at runtime. It can accept both application code and class libraries that form the Java2 environment. Dynamically adjustable runtime environment creates a highly flexible platform for development and deployment of various consumer applications.
  
• High Development Efficiency
  Based on Sun's J2ME three-layered open architecture, each layer can be developed independently, thus reducing development time and improving efficiency.
  
• Expandability
  VMxp(TM) creates a unique OS environment to allow applications to be renewed and upgraded dynamically, eliminating the need to constantly upgrade hardware.
  
• Compatibility
  VMxp(TM) provides compatibility among existing hardware devices and services, helping hardware manufactures maximize their investment gains while reducing development cost

One important advantage of VMxp(TM) is its compact size - both the static storage (ROM, flash) and RAM requirements. The VMxp(TM) class libraries are less then 100k and the VM (depending on the compiler and the targeted CPU) is approximately 150k. VMxp(TM) requires approximately 250k of RAM to run simple J2ME applications. VMxp(TM) also has the ability to create and use ROMized class files. These are class files that have been pre-linked and can be executed directly out of ROM. This directly corresponds to a savings in RAM.

VMxp(TM) Targeted Wireless Devices-Mobile Phones
Compared to conventional cell phones, Java-enabled devices have unmatched advantages by allowing mobile users unprecedented choices of applications and services, including live wireless Internet, feature-rich consumer applications, personalized services, and cross-device digital assistants.

• Mobile Internet
  Java applications have significantly improved the performance of the mobile Internet, making the wireless connection both stable and open. Java applications are ideal for mobile offices, browsing the Internet with micro-browsers, sending and receiving emails, receiving the latest news, watching sports, playing games among friends, and even watching movies. The Japanese mobile service giant NTT DoCoMo, for example, now provides over thirty types of such services, including weather forecast, map information, real-time stock, and online games.
  
• Rich Graphics
  Mobile devices can benefit from rich GUI APIs that allow for differentiation of services and the development of compelling applications. Given a faster network, such as 3G, Java applications can offer interactive multimedia and compelling graphic images in real-time, resulting in greater consumer satisfaction.
  
• Wide Array of Consumer Applications
  Given the powerful features that Java cell phones deliver, application developers in Japan, Korea, and the U.S. are actively engaged in the development of Java applications for next-generation Java-enabled handsets. With the growing popularity of Java cell phones, more and more software developers and content providers will produce feature-rich applications to meet market demands.
  
• Personalized Services
  With Java technologies, mobile phone users can easily download applications and services to suit their own interests and needs. Furthermore, they no longer have to acquire new mobile phones if they want take advantage of services offered by new releases of applications.
  
• Network Independence
  Java applications are network independent, allowing Java-enabled cell phones to be used on a variety of networks such as GSM, CDMA, GPRS, CDPD and the upcoming 3G network.

For more information about CSOFT VMxp solutions, please click here.