Cellon selects esmertec's Jbed -TM- Me Java solution for range of mobile handsets.

Esmertec AG, a supplier of embedded Java virtual machines (JVMs) for the mobile world, has signed an agreement for the supply of its JbedME technology to Cellon, the world's largest independent design house for wireless terminals and modules (www.cellon.com). The agreement establishes the framework for Java deployment in millions of wireless handsets.

Cellon plans to incorporate esmertec's JVM on a GSM/GPRS wireless platform which will be commercially available by the middle of this year, as a first step to deploying Java technology across its handset range during 2003. Cellon's JbedME implementation will also incorporate associated Java APIs including CLDC 1.0, MIDP 2.0 and wireless messaging.

"As an independent design house, Cellon is committed to providing our customers with access to the full range of leading wireless technologies. Our agreement with esmertec is an important step in that commitment," said Horst Fenske, Senior Vice-President, Engineering at Cellon. "Like Cellon, esmertec understands the value of leading with technology, and we're pleased to lay the framework for ongoing collaboration."

JbedME is an order of magnitude faster than standard J2ME implementations because it fully compiles Java bytecode into optimised machine code on the device itself. MIDP 2.0 is a new standard for mobile information devices that delivers greater functionality and better support for gaming, audio applications and security.

"We are delighted with this significant order," commented esmertec CEO, Alain Blancquart. "It gets the Jbed technology into industry-leading mobile phones used by millions of people, and is a strong endorsement of our technology by a major player with strong experience in a broad range of markets worldwide."

Cellon International is the world's largest independent wireless design and development house, providing total solutions for wireless terminals and related technology. The Company provides complete module, platform and terminal-ready production solutions for OEMs and private label distributors worldwide. Cellon is in advanced development of 2.5G and 3G products, and has built strategic relationships with leading technology players and third-party software developers. Cellon has more than 500 professional staff worldwide, and established design and development centers in the United States, Canada, China, Korea and France. Over 7 million phones that are in use today are powered by Cellon technology.

Esmertec is the leading software company focusing on Java and mobile software technologies for handheld systems. Considered to be one of the most important players in the independent VM supplier space, its flagship product, Jbed ME, certified by Sun Microsystems, delivers high performance computing on small devices to service providers, mobile device manufacturers and application developers. Founded in 1999, esmertec is based in Switzerland with sales, engineering and support offices in the United States and Singapore and representation in Japan.