Java Community Demonstrates Support for ARM

ARM [(LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq:ARMHY)], the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit RISC embedded processor solutions, today announced that several of its partners introduced ARM Powered[tm] applications at JavaOne, demonstrating the growing acceptance for ARM® core-based systems running the Java[tm] platform in the embedded community.

"With more than 180 million ARM core-based devices shipped in 1999, it was inevitable that market demand would significantly increase for Java applications running on ARM Powered[tm] systems," said Reynette Au, vice president of Worldwide Marketing for ARM. "This increase in Java support continues the momentum that ARM has built in a wide variety of applications, from networking and consumer entertainment solutions to automotive devices."

Announcements

inSilicon Corporation announced the availability of their JVX[tm] accelerator technology that increases Java[tm]-based performance of system performance up to tenfold. The combination of the JVX technology and the ARM7TDMI® processor core at 40 MHz is expected to yield an Embedded Caffeine Mark approaching 200 -- considered world-class embedded system performance for Java applications.

"ARM works closely with its 3rd party partners to ensure that there is a broad range of optimal Java platforms built around the ARM architecture," explained Andrew Cummins, Java program manager for ARM. "The combination of accelerator solutions like the JVX technology with our low-power, low-cost architecture helps deliver enhanced Java performance to the market."

Sun Microsystems announced that leading silicon partners are shipping a wide range of hardware chip solutions that further enhance the performance, power utilization or chip functionality for consumer products utilizing the Java? platform.

"ARM also collaborates with partners like Sun Microsystems, to expand the depth and breadth of Java solutions optimized for the ARM architecture," explained Cummins.

Tao Group announced that its multimedia system for enhancing Java? technology based applications, the intent, Java Technology Edition, has been awarded Sun Authorized Virtual Machine status by passing Sun's comprehensive PersonalJava? test suites. The high-performance, memory-efficient intent software is currently being implemented in a broad range of markets including digital games, home networking, digital television, automotive and phones.

"Solutions like Tao's intent software provide our silicon and systems partners with highly-effective multimedia components for the next-generation of Java-enabled devices," added Cummins.

Benefits

ARM core-based systems offer a number of advantages for running Java technology-based applications for a variety of technical reasons. The 16/32-bit ARM architecture offers a large, flat memory model that simplifies the development of systems that have extensive software requirements. The RISC register organization is ideal for maintaining rapid, local access to interpreter variables without the overhead of accessing memory, offering higher performance at lower power consumption.

The ARM architecture's industry-leading performance/power ratio, which has made it the preferred embedded processor solution for the wireless market, will help drive adoption of the Java platform in portable handheld applications including PDAs and digital cell phones. The core's extensive support from 3rd party operating system and development tools vendors will also support the momentum for ARM Powered, Java platform-based systems.

About ARM

ARM, a leading intellectual property (IP) provider, licenses high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals, and system-chip designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming the volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia digital consumer and embedded solutions. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.

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