/k/ Embedded Java Solutions (pronounced “kah”) has released “Mika,” a new Java virtual machine (VM) and runtime environment that enables Java programs to run on embedded systems including ones with no graphical display (“headless” systems) and MMU-less architectures such as ARM7TDMI. Mika is based on the open-source Wonka project, with adaptations to reduce footprint and improve performance on memory-constrained devices, and to support MMU-less operating systems such as uClinux (in addition to the Linux and NetBSD platforms already supported by Wonka).

The class libraries supplied with Mika include support for all the most commonly-used packages and APIs used for embedded Java programming, according to /k/, so most existing applications developed for other embedded Java offerings will run on Mika with little or no modification.

Wonka is a Java-compatible virtual machine (VM) designed specifically for embedded devices. The code taken from the Wonka open-source code base is covered by a BSD-style license, which freely allows modified versions to be distributed without an obligation to supply source code. Mika can therefore safely be linked with native code libraries without endangering confidential or proprietary information that these may contain, says /k/.

Distribution of binaries incorporating /k/ Embedded Java Solutions' modifications to the open-source Wonka codebase requires a license. Mika licensing terms are adapted to the needs of the embedded market, including an option to switch from per-unit fees to an annual “subscription” basis. Subscribers get full access to the modified source code, ensuring that they will always be able to support and maintain their product.

Mika is available now for ARM (ARM7TDMI, StrongARM, XScale) and x86-family CPU types, with PPC currently under test. Ports to MIPS CPU and the operating systems eCos and QNX are scheduled for release in 2004.

/k/ Embedded Java Solutions says it can package and brand Mika to complement boards and module products. Further details are available here

 
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