Overview of Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition
2.1 Java 2 Platform
Recognizing that one size does not fit all, Sun Microsystems has grouped Java technologies into three editions, each aimed at a specific area of today's vast computing industry:
Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EETM) for enterprises needing to serve their customers, suppliers and employees with scalable server solutions.
Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SETM) for the familiar and well- established desktop computer market.
Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2METM) for the combined needs of:
consumer and embedded device manufacturers who build a diversity of information devices,
service providers who wish to deliver content to their customers over those devices,
content creators who want to make compelling content for small, resource-constrained devices.
Each Java platform edition defines a set of technologies that can be used with a particular product:
Java virtual machines that fit inside a wide range of computing devices,
libraries and APIs specialized for each kind of computing device,
tools for deployment and device configuration.
Figure 2.1 illustrates the Java 2 Platform editions and their target markets, starting from the high-end platforms on the left and moving towards low-end platforms on the right. Basically, five target markets or broad device categories are identified. Servers and enterprise computers are supported by Java 2 Enterprise Edition, and desktop and personal computers by Java 2 Standard Edition. Java 2 Micro Edition is divided broadly into two categories that focus on high-end and low-end consumer devices. Java 2 Micro Edition is discussed in more detail later in this chapter. Finally, the Java Card_ standard focuses on the smart card market.
Figure 2.1 Java 2 Platform editions and their target markets