Call for papers
Special 1998 Issue on Java and Mobile Code in Telecommunications Java, developed by Sun Microsystems, is one of the most exciting and most promising developments in computer science in this decade. Technically, Java stands for the concept of fetching platform-independent executables from a network (typically the Internet) and executing them locally. This principle could in fact revolutionise the telecom business: besides transferring information over a network, Java offers the possibility of transferring function as well. This opens a variety of ways in which telecom operators can offer new services to their customers. Furthermore, Java allows automatic control of the software that runs on the customer's equipment, which makes it significantly easier to keep up to date with new technology.
This special issue will outline the idea behind Java and, in general, mobile code, as seen from a telecommunications perspective. It addresses how the new technology can change the way in which services are offered and gives several examples for new services showing the gain in flexibility. Submitted papers should discuss advantages and deficiencies of employing the technology in all telecommunication areas such as signalling, management, and applications.