Sun releases beta of Java 2 Micro Edition

Sun Microsystems released a test version of developer tools Wednesday to help programmers write Java software that works on small gadgets such as cell phones, the Santa Clara, Calif.-based server seller said. The product will be integrated into developer tools supplied by Nokia, Siemens, Sony Ericsson and Sprint--some of the top advocates of Java 2 Micro Edition, which lets Java programs run on cell phones, dashboard computers, set-top boxes and other devices. The tools let a programmer simulate a gadget on a more powerful computer, Sun said. In addition, Sun announced a test version of its Forte tools for Sun One, letting people write software that supports emerging Web services standards, including SOAP, WSDL and UDDI. --Stephen Shankland, Special to ZDNet New