Microsoft adopts Java

Microsoft is one of those companies that has provided their own solution for mobile phones from the ground up with their Windows Mobile platform and .NET framework. But it looks like even Microsoft will now be using Java for mobile phone applications.

Microsoft has bought a company called Musiwave. Musiwave is in the business of providing a mobile music service. The company’s development of products entirely uses Java to provide solutions to it’s customers. Is Microsoft going to use Java as the platform of choice for mobile applications? Musiwave does not even use Microsoft’s DRM solution. What will happen to PlayReady which Nokia has started to use on its mobile phones?

Has Microsoft given up on its Windows Mobile solution and decided to go with the Java? Or maybe Microsoft just bought the company to decrease competition. Or maybe Microsoft is just interested in Musiwave’s distribution infrastructure and will dump the Java solution and replace it with their own Windows Mobile platform?

I don’t think Microsoft is any closer to embracing Java as their platform of choice for mobile applications (although it would be great news if they do). I think they bought Musiwave to learn more about other solutions and is mainly interested in Musiwave’s distribution network. They will probably replace Musiwave’s Java enabled solution and use their own solution in providing mobile music services. Microsoft has been known to do this is the past.