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by James Robertson.
Original Post: Java handhelds?
Feed Title: Cincom Smalltalk Blog - Smalltalk with Rants
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Given the relatively limited hardware capabilities of these small devices, he says, "when they put Java into the handset, they took out most of the security in the JVM [Java virtual machine]." While that may be little more than a self-serving observation from the San Jose-based data security firm, it's worth considering as companies begin distributing Java phones and PDAs to mobile workers. It's also worth pondering by the network providers that may become a legal target of those who lose precious data due to lax security. Touboul argues that less technically sophisticated handheld users have vastly different expectations of the providers that offer "air-time services" and the devices that consume them. He says that PC makers "are considered blameless" if a virus destroys a disk drive. Not so for handsets. "When it comes to air time, I expect my providers to protect [the device]," he concludes. Needless to say, Finjan promises an answer with its Vital Security for Cellular product, in beta now at an unnamed network operator. It should hit the market in the fourth quarter.
Probably less Java specific than niche specific, and I am unsure about his conclusions - but it's an interesting issue.
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