Remote irrigation pumps are a farmer?s nightmare. They are difficult to monitor and control ?compromising crop yields, wasting water and energy, adding to costs, and augmenting stress for farmers. But Nano Ganesh is an elegant example of how mobile phones are being used in India in incredibly innovative ways. Developed by Pune-based Ossian Agro Automation, it is a simple, low-cost, Java-based application which allows farmers to use mobile phones to remotely monitor and switch on irrigation pumps used for watering crops in remote locations.
?Don?t think of it as a phone, think of it as a low-cost wireless device, said its developer Santosh Ostwal at JavaOne conference in Hyderabad, as he encouraged over 2,000 Indian developers at the meet to use their creativity to solve problems. Over 12,000 Nano Ganesh devices have already been installed in the countryside.
Java has given a booster dose to hundreds of thousands of sleep apnea?a potentially life-threatening disorder that causes people to stop breathing during sleep?sufferers by means of a solution that maximises comfort and may improve long-term compliance with therapy. Sleep apnea is usually treated with continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy, which creates a pneumatic splint to keep airways open to normal breathing. The Philips Respironics System One sleep therapy platform uses a Java module developed by Munich-based Cinterion, and a wireless network breathing data to a secure Web portal. The patient?s doctor can log into the portal to analyse the data and make adjustments to the prescription air pressure, which is then sent over-the-air to the healthcare device.
This is just the start of what is expected to become a huge worldwide market as more care delivery medical devices are connected to wireless networks. Clearly, developers are using Java, one of the computer industry?s best-known brands and most widely deployed technologies to solve problems in everyday life. Here?s an update on Java?97% of enterprise desktops run Java, more than 125 million Java-based TV devices have been deployed, more than 3 billion devices are powered by Java technology, there are over 9 million Java developers worldwide and 80% of mobile developers target the Java platform?all evidence that the computer industry?s best-known brands and one of most widely deployed technologies is not dead, it?s just doing fine.
Originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems, Java was designed for interactive television, but it was too advanced for the digital cable television industry at that time. When Oracle bought Sun Microsystems in a $7.5 billion deal in 2009, doubts were cast whether Oracle would ensure continued investment in Java technology.
Fact is, Java is vital to Oracle?s success, says Nandini Ramini, vice-president, development, Oracle. ?At Oracle, our recipe of success for Java is based on three fundamental pillars: First, we are the beneficiaries of a tremendous amount of technology and innovation, which must be preserved and extended. Second, we have the largest, most diverse and vibrant technology community which is what makes Java what it is. Third, Oracle understands the value of Java, our responsibilities as the new steward, and is taking very visible, measurable steps to ensure a bright future,? she says, adding, ?all three are needed to move Java forward.?
Many Indian colleges offer courses in programming for the Java platform. One of the great things about Java is that if you learn the language, learn the platform and the libraries, then you have an incredible variety of deployment options and ways you can target the things you are developing.
It goes without saying that a cool mobile app like Nano Ganesh will definitely spread the aroma among the vast developer community in India to come up with newer, creative solutions for the masses.