Sharp has just published a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on its new Linux/Java PDA developer website. However, access to the FAQ is currently restricted to registered developers. For those who have not had an opportunity to (or do not wish to) register as a Sharp Linux/Java PDA developer, are a few excerpts from the Sharp FAQ . . .

• Q: Why Java?

  A: Many people and companies are using networks, and they will likely be using many types of hardware devices to access these networks. Consequently, Java is good for the following reasons;

  • It can work with any number of operating systems. The fact that Java works on a number of PDAs, regardless of the OS, emphasizes Sharp's strategy of branching out it into a wider variety of PDAs.
  • Java is well suited for communications. Java provides the ideal environment for connecting PDAs with different functions.
  • There are already a large number of software and server developers for Java. Therefore, this makes it easy to quickly build new systems. We have determined that Sun Microsystems Java provides an ideal balance of the above items.
  
  
• Q: Does Sharp plan to use Java and Linux to distinguish Sharp's products from those of the competition? Isn't the Pocket PC OS superior to a combination of Java and Linux?

  A: Our PDA will distinguish itself from the competition by virtue of its superb LCD screen, its proprietary digital audio-video features, and its ease of operation.

• Q: Will using Java for the PDAs slow down the processing?

  A: If you look at Sharp's PDAs using Java, you'll see that it is very fast. Sharp is in the process of analysing other possibilities that we may implement in the future.

• Q: With the Palm OS as a standard in PDAs, will Sharp's PDA be considered to be less attractive?

  A: It's true that Palm's OS is a leader in the US market. However, products using the Palm OS and PocketPC OS are mainly differentiated by their strong hardware. The key features of the Sharp Java PDAs are its stong hardware offering and its Linux operating system and Java programming language, that offers developers around the world an extremely compelling hardware and software programming environment.

• Q: As Sharp makes this combination of Linux and Java a worldwide strategy, does Sharp plan on developing alliances with other companies or invest in software start-ups? Or, does Sharp plan to carry out this business alone?

  A: As this is a new product and program Sharp plans on working with other companies. Sharp is already cooperating with a number of companies, as we grow our program we hope to get support from many other companies related to the development of Sharp's PDA business. Also, Linux and Java are not just for corporate development. We recognize that it's important to work with various non-corporate groups, hobbiests and user communities as well.

• Q: How does Sharp plan to market and promote Sharp's Linux and Java environment to programmers, and software development companies?

  A: Although we haven't set any firm dates, we are planing to promote Sharp's programming environment to programmers and software companies through such efforts as seminars. We will advertise, and accept applications for seminars on the Internet.

• Q: Why Linux and Java overseas?

  A: Expandability will be an important factor for PDAs. We want to create an environment in which third parties and programmers can easily develop software. Also, there are over 100,000 Linux programmers and Linux is an open, high-quality operating system that offers a high degree of freedom.

• Q How does Sharp feel about other [handheld computing] companies adopting Linux?

  A: We openly welcome this, because together we would be able to create a larger market of Java handheld applications.

• Q: When will Sharp introduce a Linux-Java PDA outside Japan?

  A:In the fall timeframe, we plan to release the Sharp Java PDA in the United States. However, developer versions may be available sooner.

• Q: Programs made in Java may run slow. Is this true on the Sharp Java PDA?

  A: Java applications running on Sharp's Java PDA will run 5 to 10 times faster than those running in other hardware environments.

• Q: Does Sharp plan to have a Web site where consumers can get Java software that can be used on Sharp Java PDA?

  A: Yes. We are planning on creating a consumer site for Sharp Java PDA applications.

The full FAQ can be accessed by registering as a developer on the Sharp Linux/Java PDA website.

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