Development

Java's creator and four mobile phone makers announced this week they have created a process for testing and certifying Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) applications for wireless handheld devices.

Trying to build some momentum going into its annual PartnerWorld conference in Las Vegas next week, IBM Corp. on Wednesday announced it has now signed up 200 independent software vendors (ISVs) in 10 months to its ISV Advantage Initiative, including some it has ripped away from archrival Microsoft Corp.

Targeting both seasoned ASP.Net developers as well as new Web developers, Microsoft Corp. recently announced the availability of some new resources and tools in an effort to build its developer base.

The open source consortium initially started by IBM Corp., announced recently that it has restructured itself into a not-for-profit organization with a new governance model in an effort to draw more developers and more vendors into the project.

iAnywhere Solutions Inc. announced on Tuesday some new developer products that are aimed at improving the development of Web-based applications. It's an announcement that one industry analyst said will put more capabilities in the hands of developers.

Enterprise instant messaging (IM) specialist IMlogic Inc. said it planned to demonstrate a new product on Monday that allows developers to build IM capabilities into their applications, the company said.

IBM Corp. launched an Autonomic Computing Toolkit on Monday, to help developers build self-healing computer systems.

Wells Fargo & Co. is investing in a major upgrade of its online applications for corporate banking customers in an effort to make the Web-based services easier to use. Analysts said the project is part of a trend that's helping to push IT spending upward in the entire wholesale banking industry.