This morning I listened to a very interesting podcast from ITconversations entitled Mobile Computing on the Edge. It was a presentation by Jon Bostrom who is the Senior Director, Java in Technology Platforms, at Nokia. The reason I found it interesting is that it provided a very clear direction for those entrepreneurial Java developers who want to get involved in creating applications for mobile devices.

Jon Bostrom explains that Nokia provides Java developers with the three things needed to get started developing content for mobile devices.

• The mobile devices that run Java applications: "By December 2005 Nokia estimates that more than 300 million platform devices will have been shipped."
• Nokia is providing a sales channel for developers. Nokia's "Preminet Solution reduces complexity for content providers and operators by offering a single point through which applications and multimedia content can be traded. "
• Freely available Software Development Kits and emulators

This is a pretty solid foundation for an entrepreneur. They are even managing the monthly payments that Wireless Operators will pay content providers. The one obvious drawback is the fact the this scenario only targets Nokia devices. However, a vendor that ships 300 million devices is not something to avoid. During a presentation at JavaOne 2005 I remember hearing John Gage say that 78% of mobile devices today are using Java. After hearing about Nokia's offerings and reviewing their site I understand why.