Research In Motion (RIM) took another step today in the company's strategy of providing an open, secure, and global platform for push-based wireless connectivity, by releasing a new Java Development Environment for BlackBerry v4.0.

The new release, says RIM, gives developers more flexibility and support when developing BlackBerry applications. The J2ME supported development environment (DE) has gained a new Application Programming Interface (API), code samples, new Java Specification Request implementations, and improved Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

The new BlackBerry JDE markedly eases application development work. Bringing together RIM's expert knowledge of BlackBerry wireless with Sun's J2ME specifications, results in the creation of a fully integrated JDE for BlackBerry.

Davids Yach, senior vice president of software research at RIM, commented: "BlackBerry continues to open new opportunities for developers in wireless data and communications by providing a development environment that removes many of the complexities traditionally associated with wireless technology. We are pleased to introduce a new release of the Java Development Environment for BlackBerry that builds on our open, standards-based platform and provides additional resources to advance the wireless strategies of our development partners and customers."

New features which this latest JDE for BlackBerry introduces include, the latest Java Specification Request (JSR) implementations, including JTWI, MIDP 2.0, CLDC 1.1 and PDAP PIM; a new simulator with improved emulation accuracy; support for new BlackBerry handhelds; and extensive ease-of-use improvements that gives developers a roundabout idea how their application will work on a number of BlackBerry devices.

Also included are an XML Generator that allows developers to perform XML-related tasks without write extra code, and support for WAP's Push Access Protocol (PAP) that provides developers choices in protocols to reliably push data across applications. Enterprises customers now have an easy way to create applications that take advantage of the unique connectivity features of BlackBerry.

As Todd Christy, CTO of Pyxis, said, "We're taking advantage of the advanced features of the new Java Development Environment for BlackBerry to improve existing applications and create new solutions that solve our customers' business challenges."