Linux developers building Java-capable devices can now take advantage of a standardized, component-based method for remotely managing deployed software, thanks to patent pledges from the OSGi Alliance and members IBM, Nokia, Samsung, ProSyst, and Gatespace Telematics. The pledges appear to allow royalty-free implementations of OSGi Service Platform R4.0, previously available only to Alliance… members.

The OSGi Alliance's Service Platform specification defines a standardized method for remotely installing, updating, or removing Java software components and services on the fly, without disrupting device operation, the Alliance claims. The organization believes the specification can increase the value of a wide variety of devices, including mobile phones, vehicles, embedded appliances, residential gateways, industrial computers, desktop PCs, high-end servers, and mainframes, it says.

Additionally, the OSGi Service Platform was recently implemented by Eclipse 3.2, with the aim of helping developers extend plugins without creating undesirable dependencies.

The stated aim of the patent pledge is to “spur innovation among software developers.” Stan Moyer, Alliance president, stated, “As a team, we recognize the collective and individual merits of a cooperative and open approach to innovation and shared patent access for the specification, which will promote adoption of the related technology.”

Specific pledges made by each organization are listed here.

 
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