CNET reports Sun is claiming victory for Java on mobile phones (via J2ME) over Qualcomm's BREW technology in the space.
I recently made similar comments on slashdot.org in a thread on mobile gaming platforms and reposted it here.
The article does not mention another potent advantage of J2ME: it is intended for many types of devices other then mobile phones like BREW. J2ME is not "write once, run everywhere" because of obvious differences in the varying interface, capacity and uses of such a range of devices. A significant amount of code reuse can be achieved if applications are developed properly.
J2ME still has its issues to work out and developing cross-device applications will always have its challenges. Technicalities aside, Sun has developed the right business relationships and models to gain widespread support and allow J2ME flourish. I expect this momentum to continue while BREW struggles and eventually withers on the vine. Its not the superior technology that wins out, its the one that has the widest range support. For instance, Betamax vs. VHS.
There are those who disagree with me, but they can enjoy their every last bit of performance in obscurity.
