Java in embedded and consumer systems

Summary form only given. The Java platform has created a great deal of excitement within the computer industry, especially in connection with the World Wide Web. One should not overlook Java´s beginning as an embedded solution, designed to power various consumer electronic devices. There are now essentially 4 Java platforms; Enterprise Java, Personal Java, Embedded Java, and JavaCard. Each platform is suited to different applications, ranging from desktop computers to deeply embedded devices such as smartcards. Embedded devices typically display a number of characteristics, such as limited memory, varied or no displays, various input methods and a vast array of microprocessors. Increasingly these devices are being networked together, and utilised in extensive, possibly IP based networks. The Java platforms offer a great deal of flexibility for the embedded developer. The author provides an overview of these platforms, and other issues facing such developers