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Research In Motion Ltd. Tuesday unveiled new Java development tools for its BlackBerry portable wireless device.
RIM announced the availability of its new Java Development Environment for BlackBerry version 4.0, which supports J2ME (Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition), and new features such as an enhanced API set, documentation, code samples and applications, officials at the Waterloo, Ontario, company said. In addition, RIM officials said the new development environment features new JSR (Java Specification Request) implementations, an improved IDE (integrated development environment) and a new BlackBerry handheld simulator with usability improvements.
Meanwhile, RIM also announced on Tuesday the availability of its BlackBerry Enterprise Server version 4.0 for Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Domino. Blackberry Enterprise Server 4.0 provides improved manageability, enhanced security and simplified application development, RIM officials said.
The platforms upgraded API set supports Bluetooth and the BlackBerry “push” architecture, and enables developers to integrate applications with BlackBerry e-mail, text messaging, Web browser and organizer applications, according to the company. Other new features include support for JSRs such as JTWI (Java Technology for the Wireless Industry), aka JSR-185; MIDP 2.0 (Mobile Information Device Profile), aka JSR-118; CLDC 1.1 (Connected Limited Device Configuration), aka JSR-139; and PDAP PIM (Personal Digital Assistant Profile Personal Information Manager), aka JSR-75.
In addition, the new RIM Java development environment for BlackBerry includes a new simulator with better emulation accuracy, support for new BlackBerry handhelds, and new features to enable developers to emulate how their applications will run on BlackBerry devices. The platform also features new synchronization tools and an XML Generator.
Todd Christy, chief technology officer at Pyxis Inc., of Waltham, Mass., said in a statement: “As a company that delivers tailored wireless applications for the investment industry, having access to advanced BlackBerry developer tools is necessary to tightly integrate the technology and meet the mobile needs of our customers.”
Another RIM partner, Joe Rymsza, president and chief executive of Vettro Corp., of New York, said in a statement, “We are excited to continue our tradition of delivering world-class mobile application functionality, coupled with unparalleled user experience, by leveraging the integrated development environment and tools in the Java Development Environment for BlackBerry.”