HANNOVER, Germany—Bringing Web services to the world of mobility, Sun Microsystems Inc. and Jentro A.G. at CeBIT this week showcased Java-based Web services for the automotive industry.
To demonstrate that mobile Web services have moved from theory to reality, the joint Sun/Jentro Telematics Competence Center in Germany built a test vehicle scooter called “Kickjet,” equipped for navigation via mobile phone, remote diagnostics and servicing and manufacturer CRM, among other things. The system applies Web services from the in-vehicle devices back to the computer center.
To ensure that several Web services can work simultaneously while the Kickjet stays in contact with the computer center, Jentro built a tailor-made Java-enabled gateway, said a spokesman for Jentro, based in Munich. The gateway establishes a link to the vehicle with devices such as a mobile phone or PDA.
In addition to navigation via mobile phone, potential applications include traffic warnings, software life cycle management, freight management and 3D navigation in rough terrain, the company said.
In other telematics-related news at CeBIT, Amsterdam-based Palmtop Software B.V. unveiled its TomTom Navigator 2, which can be integrated with PocketOutlook to let users plan routes directly from their contact databases.
The TomTom software turns handheld PCs—Pocket PC, Nokia, Palm OS, and Epoc products—into handheld mapping systems. Costing less than built-in car navigation systems, TomTom Navigator 2 includes a “roadblock” function so that users can immediately re-route around traffic congestion or construction. The product, which will be available in Europe in April, also comes with touch-on-screen icons and a three-dimensional view.
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