Integrated Hardware and Software Platform for Consumer Internet Access Devices

Strategic Insights -

At the JavaOne Developer Conference, Motorola, Sun Microsystems, and AudeSi Technologies unveiled a comprehensive reference implementation for Internet access devices, designed to speed time to market and reduce the cost of development for consumer Internet access devices such as screenphones. The solution, called Touchstone, features a cost-effective, flexible, modular platform that enables connections to today's standard analog phone network and can also be upgraded to new digital networks using standards such as DSL. Touchstone includes the hardware and software specifically required for developing a next-generation screenphone solution, with the hardware based on Motorola's PowerPC MPC823e processor and the software based on Sun Microsystems' JavaOS for Consumers 3.0 operating environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The integrated hardware and software platform, Touchstone, is designed to speed time to market and reduce the cost of development for consumer Internet access devices such as screenphones.
  • The platform is based on Motorola's PowerPC MPC823e processor and Sun Microsystems' JavaOS for Consumers 3.0 operating environment.
  • Touchstone enables connections to today's standard analog phone network and can also be upgraded to new digital networks using standards such as DSL.
  • The platform includes a cost-effective, flexible, and modular architecture that allows for easy customization and upgrading.
  • AudeSi Technologies will provide custom engineering and product support services for the manufacturers kit.
  • The Touchstone screenphone reference design features a two-line telephony package equipped with a V.90 modem, a color LCD touch screen, speaker/microphone, Ethernet, USB, keyboard, and smart card capability.
  • The platform has been designed to meet the requirements of the Internet Screen Reference Forum (ISRF) and is part of Motorola's "small footprint" strategy of developing a range of small Java technology-enabled consumer appliances.
  • The software stack supported by Touchstone includes JavaOS for Consumers software already ported and operational, with developers able to use Sun's Personal Applications Suite or customize the solution to include their own software applications.
  • Applications using Java technology-enabled smart cards can easily be developed, and AudeSi is extending the platform to support applications that make use of the JavaPhone API.
  • AudeSi is also introducing Alchemy, a software environment based on the JavaBeans technology-programming model that speeds the development of consumer Internet access devices.

Statistics:

  • Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were $7.3 billion (USD) in 1998.
  • Motorola's sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion (USD).
  • Sun Microsystems' 1998 revenue was $11 billion.
  • AudeSi is a privately held technology start-up company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Sources:

  • "Motorola, Sun Microsystems and AudeSi Technologies Unveil Comprehensive Reference Implementation for Internet Access Devices," JavaOne Developer Conference, June 15, 1999.
  • Motorola press release, "Motorola Unveils Comprehensive Reference Implementation for Internet Access Devices," June 15, 1999.
  • Sun Microsystems press release, "Sun Microsystems, Motorola and AudeSi Technologies Unveil Comprehensive Reference Implementation for Internet Access Devices," June 15, 1999.
  • AudeSi Technologies press release, "AudeSi Technologies Unveils Alchemy, Software Environment for Consumer Internet Access Devices," June 15, 1999.