China Gets JavaChina Gets Java

Sun Microsystems, China Unicom, and ZRRT partner to deliver advanced Java-based mobile services to China Unicom customers under the UniJa brand

February 6, 2004

3 Min Read

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) , the creator and leading advocate for Java (TM) technology, China Unicom, the world's leading CDMA telecommunications provider and ZRRT (Beijing ZRRT Communication Technology Co. Ltd.), a leading service provider in China, have signed a far- reaching agreement to deliver advanced mobile data, information and entertainment services to over 90 million China Unicom wireless subscribers.

This development demonstrates the potential for the rapid growth of mobile data services in China and will help speed the deployment of mobile services such as Java games. The relationship builds on the existing Sun/China Unicom/ZRRT alliance announced in September 2003 to develop and deliver Java technology-based mobile applications and services in one of the world's leading wireless markets under the brand UniJa.

China Unicom has selected Sun's Java Technology for the Wireless Industry (JTWI) platform to develop its own solutions and create a complete end-to-end UniJa environment. Value-added service providers will in turn be able to develop a range of new, feature-rich services under the UniJa environment.

"A complete Java-ecosystem business model for carriers, handset manufacturers, value-added service providers, and application and content developers is now in place," said Wang Yingpei, General Manager, China Unicom Value-added Services. "We believe this agreement and further cooperation of Unicom, Sun and ZRRT will not only help China Unicom expand its own business but also help Chinese citizens take advantage of innovations in the communications industry."

The UniJa technology will be offered to all handset manufacturers. Millions of Java handsets are expected to become available in the China market, all conforming to the UniJa specification.

"Sun and Java will be at the heart of China's dynamic communications market," said Scott McNealy, chairman, president and CEO of Sun. "The shared vision of Sun, China Unicom and ZRRT, will result in standards-based infrastructure for secure Java-based mobile services that will deliver mobility with security to more than 90 million users."

The UniJa alliance helps communications service providers, infrastructure providers, value-added service providers and content providers to leverage the Java-technology platform and fully utilize China Unicom's network to deliver advanced mobile data services to consumers.

Based on international standards, the UniJa platform will allow China Unicom to ensure complete data services security, protecting the rights of content developers and service providers. The UniJa platform also enables delivery of online and offline games, enterprise services, communications services, entertainment services, e-trade and e-commerce capabilities.

The three partners will also develop a Java Technology Lab to explore the needs of the market, develop next-generation UniJa services, expand the UniJa network, and carry out mobile certification and testing. Developer workshops and training courses will be held to help developers refine skills and learn more about opportunities with UniJa technologies.

Sun Microsystems Inc.

China Unicom Ltd.

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