BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless) is an application development platform for wireless phones. Qualcomm was the company to set up this standard and it should be noted that although it was used for CDMA cellular phones, today it can be used for GSM, GPRS and UMTS. Essentially BREW allows consumers to download and use applications on their mobile phones. These applications can include chat programs, email, location positioning, games, etc…

Developing Applications with BREW

Many developers like to create applications using BREW. BREW makes it much simpler to create applications for mobile phones due to the fact that this platform can easily port between the applications and Qualcomm ASIC’s. This means you do not need to code for the system interface or even understand most of the mobile phone technologies in use. BREW also has the advantage of supporting C, C++, Java and almost any other type of programming language and with a small footprint that is only 150K, BREW has become one of the most well known and popular platforms for application developers when it comes to mobile phones.brew

Testing Developed Applications made with BREW

Testing applications created with BREW can be a little more difficult and less developer friendly than other types of platforms. For instance, when developing applications with BREW, you can not just upload software and execute it on a mobile hand set that is supported by BREW. Brew applications that are developed must include a digital signature and in order to create a BREW digital signature, you either need to be the content provider or a Qualcomm Authenticated BREW Developer. However once you have a digital signature, other obstacles must be overcome.

In order to test BREW applications an authenticated digital signature is needed as stated above, however even with your digital signature you can only test the BREW application with a test enabled mobile handsets. Usually after all bugs are removed and the application seems complete, BREW developers must then submit the application to NTSL (National Software Testing Labs) for TRUE BREW Testing. Once the application in question is tested by NTSL and proves to be ready for use, it can then at that point be picked up by a content provider or downloaded onto handsets

Advantages of BREW

There are quite a few of advantages of using BREW; here are just a few of the most common:

Testing: While for many developers testing can be a major hassle that can slow a release date or be cost prohibitive, testing to make sure that all applications developed for BREW ultimately results in less buggy software and usually higher quality software.

BREW API: BREW API (application programming interface) makes it much easier to use than other platforms available, specifically J2ME (Java 2 platform Micro Edition) API.

Graphics: Developing graphics for games or other purposes are usually much easier to create than other platforms, usually due to access to the screen buffer.

No Artificial Limits: Some other platforms have artificial limits to the size of the binary. For instance, J2ME has an artificial limit of 128K; BREW does not have an artificial limit.

Less Competition for Application Developers: Because developers must pay to have their software tested, this usually results in less developer competition. In most cases, you do not have to worry about freeware or hobbyists developing BREW applications.

Disadvantages of BREW

Less Popular: While BREW does have its advantages; it is still less popular around the world than other platforms, specifically J2ME. For instance, in the USA, J2ME has a market share higher than BREW, in Europe; BREW market share is much less than in the USA.

Cost of Testing: In order for your software to be approved and available for sale, it must first be tested by NTSL, usually this comes with a cost of at least $400.

Compression: BREW code can not be compressed, this is due to security concerns, but in most cases this makes software larger in size.

Profilers: BREW profilers are usually more expensive than profilers for other platforms, specifically J2ME. It should be noted that J2ME comes with its own free profiler

Incompatibility Issues: even though testing takes place, many mobile handsets will have issues and can even be totally incompatible with the BREW platform.