Freescale and Oracle to make Java work for IoT
Date: 23/09/2013
Freescale Semiconductor and Oracle are collaborating to use the power of Java programming language to program embedded processors supporting Internet of Things (IoT). Since Java is designed for Internet, it is more suitable for processing IP packets from IoT devices.
“The immense potential of the IoT is undeniable, but its promise will only be realized if industry leaders join forces to do the work necessary to turn the vision into a reality,” said Geoff Lees, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale’s MCU business. “With its broad adoption, open source model, huge enablement ecosystem and well-defined roadmap, Java technology is ideally suited for IoT requirements. The powerful combination of Java with the performance and security of Freescale’s extensive embedded processing portfolio is well-positioned to play a defining role in the evolution of the IoT.”
Freescale to work with Oracle and Java Community Process (JCP) members in creating standard technical specifications for the Java platform. Freescale said it will initially focus on Java for resource-constrained processing platforms, such as the low-cost, small sized microcontrollers such as ARM Cortex M0+ based MCUs.
Freescale has also joined the OpenJDK community, where it will work with Oracle to enhance Java for Freescale i.MX application processors, as well as contribute to open implementations of Java APIs for the IoT.
“As a longtime embedded processing pioneer, with an unusually clear vision on how to use their technology to accelerate innovation and ease-of-use, Freescale has the expertise and insight necessary to help Java evolve and thrive in the IoT era,” said Nandini Ramani, vice president of development, Java Platform, Oracle. “We have already made progress in a number of areas that we are proud to showcase together at JavaOne San Francisco 2013, and look forward to expanding our collaboration to cover a broad range of products and activities aimed to position Oracle and Freescale as leaders in the Internet of Things.”
Freescale and Oracle also to collaborate in establishing abstraction layer technology allowing Oracle Java ME Embedded to run seamlessly on Freescale’s MQX embedded operating system and broad range of Freescale microcontrollers. Other joint technology efforts are expected to include the optimization of Java to run on Freescale’s popular i.MX 6 series applications processors
Freescale and Oracle to cooperate on “one box” reference platform -- a new, secured service platform based on Freescale' silicon and Oracle Java SE Embedded that standardizes and consolidates the delivery and management of IoT services for the home automation, industrial and manufacturing automation markets.
The solution combines end-to-end software with a converged gateway design (called the "one box" platform) to establish a common, open framework for secured IoT service delivery and management. A "box" (or service gateway) built on the platform can consolidate boxes from multiple IoT service providers into a single, unified appliance. The one box platform will help simplify and secure the delivery of IoT services to end users in a home, business or other location, supporting the rapid deployment of a vast array of innovative IoT services.
"The one box platform represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the Internet of Things, establishing a standardized and secure platform for service providers to quickly and cost-effectively introduce differentiating IoT services," said Geoff Lees, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale's MCU business. "Freescale's extensive portfolio of secure, scalable embedded processing solutions is ideal for enabling this critical bridge to common standards for IoT infrastructure."
"The one box concept fulfills the demand for a common platform that can support the delivery and management of differentiated and highly secure IoT services," said Nandini Ramani, vice president of development, Java Platform, Oracle. "Java's flexible architecture meets these requirements with a highly secure virtual machine that is uniquely suited to almost any type of embedded device and designed to support remote application updates and downloads."
The initial implementation of the one box platform supports home/residential applications, including smart energy, smart metering, telehealth and other smart home services. The home/residential one box implementation runs Oracle Java SE Embedded and is powered by a Freescale i.MX 6 series applications processor built on the ARM Cortex-A9 core.
