DoCoMo Introduces Common 3G Platform

November 19, 2004 - source: BWCS

In response to complaints from vendors that its 3G service is becoming increasingly difficult to develop applications for, DoCoMo has announced plans to introduce a common software platform for its next generation FOMA services. The Japanese operator will licence the platform to phone manufacturers and says that this in turn will help cut down the development time for new models and service applications.

DoCoMo and other operators have recognized that the development of software for mobile phones, particularly 3G ones, is becoming an increasingly complex and time consuming task for vendors. The mobile giant says that its new development platform will be compatible with both the NEC/Panasonic Linux system and the Fujitsu supported Symbian system.

According to DoCoMo, the platform consists of:

1) Middleware for common services and functions

2) Customized modules of the operating system

3) Sample device drivers

4) Sample application software, including scheduler, image viewer, etc.

5) Handset emulator software for PCs

6) Documentation, including development guidelines for applications/drivers and a platform user's guide.

Some models of DoCoMo’s new 901i series, as well as other FOMA handsets to be released in early 2005, will be based on the common platform.