Oracle and ARM team up to optimise embedded Java

Oracle and ARM have linked a multi-year partnership, in which the two companies will aim to optimise the Java programming language for ARM processors.

The effort will mainly focus on delivering improving throughput and greater scalability on ARM’s multi-core systems. The duo will further optimise Java SE for ARM 32-bit embedded platforms as well as adding Java support for ARMv8 64-bit multi-core systems, which are focused on server and network infrastructure specifically. Boot-up performance, power saving and library optimisation are all targeted as areas to improve in addition.

In recent months, Oracle has sounded out its intentions in seeing Java become an important language in the burgeoning machine-to-machine marketplace. Buddying up with ARM, whose energy-efficient processors are already present in embedded servers, could help Oracle get a foot in the door with Java.

Henrik Stahl, vice president of Java Product Management at Oracle, commented in a press release that “the long-standing relationship” between the two had enabled their technology to be “deployed across a broad spectrum of products.”

Collaboration between the two began in 1996, when ARM helped port JavaOS to their own architecture. ARM have taken an active role in recent months on the Java Community Process Executive Committee, helping steer Java technology in the embedded markets.

“The industry has reached a significant inflection point as enterprise infrastructure, including servers and network routers, is now able to leverage high-performance, energy-efficient ARM technology,” said Ian Drew, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Business Development at ARM.

“A diverse, optimized software ecosystem must be in place to support these systems. This extended relationship with Oracle to enhance Java SE is an important step in growing the ARM ecosystem, which is enabling businesses and consumers worldwide to discover new levels of energy efficiency and advanced performance.“

The announcement comes right at the same time Oracle has made a renewed embedded push, releasing Java ME Embedded Version 3.3 at JavaOne Shangai, which includes ports to Raspberry Pi and the Keil boards for the first time.