Developers have learned that getting applications tested by the Java Verified Programme dramatically increases their marketability to carriers, says Sean O'Hare, Java Systems Engineer at Sun Microsystems SA.
This is reflected by the fact that since the Java Verified Programme's inception eight months ago, the number of tested applications to qualify for the Java Powered mark has grown at a rate of 55% month to month.
The Java Verified Programme provides a unified process for cost-effectively testing and qualifying Java applications. Applications submitted to the Java Verified Programme are qualified against a set of industry defined testing criteria at authorised testing houses worldwide. By qualifying their applications, developers can open a huge global market for their products.
"Application certification is central to establishing high-calibre mobile application services," says John Delaney, Principal Analyst at research organisation Ovum.
"Ovum forecasts that by the end of this year, Java-enabled handsets will reach approximately 579 million worldwide; a 120% increase over the 264 million Java-enabled handsets connected at the end of 2003. As the market penetration of Java-enabled handsets increases, and Java applications continue to proliferate, carriers and developers will need to rely upon applications adhering to an agreed standard," he adds.
Frank Bell, CTO of Communology, which provides a Java Verified instant messaging application for mobile devices, notes: "You haven't experienced anger until you have a teenager whose instant messaging client is on the fritz. By promoting clear mobile Java standards and providing the Java Powered logo, both carriers and teenagers are assured of our product's quality.
"Sun and its partners are playing a key role in facilitating important connections between developers and carriers eager to deploy revenue-enhancing mobile Java applications," he adds.
Starting January 2005, all Java applications must pass the Java Verified test before commercial distribution by handset manufacturers such as Nokia and Sony Ericsson. Aside from gaining popular support among developers, major wireless carriers worldwide including Orange and T-Mobile Europe have previously announced their participation of the programme.
Launched in February 2004, the Java Verified programme allows Java developers and content providers to generate revenue from their applications more quickly and cost-effectively.
"Certified applications earn the right to leverage the Java Powered logo to provide customers with a unique quality assurance. Through the Java Verified programme, developers can participate in marketing and distribution programmes offered by Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Sun Microsystems and T-Mobile Europe," concludes O'Hare.
For more information, please visit www.javaverified.com.
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