Since the eco-system in Java ME technology consists of a number of players and components the task of testing applications before deployment becomes increasingly important and also to some extent complicated. The aim is to be able to write once and run everywhere, and everywhere in this aspect means different implementations and device capabilities. Therefore the interest of creating test packages and services for the industry has become important. There are today generally speaking three levels of testing for Java ME software.
- The tests an application developer can do as part of the development cycle. These tests are often included in the developer tools and conforms basic testing of the application logic and implementation.
- There are also testing tools available on the market today which conforms tests on a deeper level and more thoroughly. This also includes performance testing and testing on different device capabilities like power consumption, screen sizes and different APIs. Sun offers the Java Device Test Suite in this category, which is a set of 1500 tests for mobile applications in the Java ME application environment space.
- The third level of testing offered for applications today is the ones provided by the Java Verified organization. By submitting applications for test through the Java Verified program the application will be tested to meet the industry-recognized test criteria created by mobile Java technology experts, including leading device manufacturers and network operators.
The Java Device Test Suite simplifies quality assurance and reduces time-to-market for Java ME software implementations by providing comprehensive tests and a robust test manager. These enable suite users to evaluate, validate, and verify the quality of implementations of the Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) and the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) on a particular device. The Java Device test Suite helps device manufacturers and service providers ensure their reputation for quality, while building customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The Java Verified Program provides a streamlined testing process for mobile Java technology applications. As an open, industry-driven effort, the Java Verified Program is the first program to utilize the testing framework developed by the Unified Testing Initiative launched by Motorola, Nokia, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Vodafone Group, LG Electronics ans Sun Microsystems.
