Jini++: A Framework for Developing Pervasive and Wireless Distributed Applications

Applications that run on mobile devices and which communicate over wireless networks are becoming increasingly ubiquitous. Conventional technologies developed for use over wired networks are however unsuitable for wireless environments. In particular, wireless links are relatively unreliable, bandwidth-constrained and can be expensive to use. Furthermore, established technologies do not address the needs of more dynamic pervasive computing environments that are well suited to mobile devices. In this paper, we present an overview of Jini++, a framework that supports development of mobile applications and addresses challenges posed by wireless and pervasive environments. Applications built using Jini++ are context aware in that they intelligently adapt to changes in network conditions and service availability. In addition, Jini++ employs measures to conserve bandwidth and offers support for developing crash-resilient applications. Using Jini++, application developers are free to focus on application logic, thus being relieved of the complexity associated with remote communication. Based on evaluation, we have found Jini++'s simple programming model to reduce development time, and at run-time Jini++ to make more efficient and effective use of the network than current mainstream technologies.