Canoo has just released UltraLightClient (ULC) Mobile, aimed at facilitating development of Enterprise Web 2.0 applications with a desktop user experience that will run on both Java SE and Java ME clients.

ULC is a Java library for web user interface development, bridging the gap between Java Swing and a server-side architecture. It allows Java developers, says Canoo, to develop "mission-critical Enterprise Web 2.0 applications with a rich and responsive user interface using proven Java technology both on the client and on the server."

UltraLightClient-based applications can be deployed in a J2EE container, as a portlet, or stand-alone without changing the code. On the client, a standard JRE from 1.4 upwards is all that is required. The new product, ULC Mobile, extends the deployment options to mobile devices that run with the Windows CE operating system.

ULC Mobile is specially geared for RIAs running on top of the Java ME platform. According to to the company:

"The new product offers the same API as UltraLightClient, which means that existing UltraLightClient applications can essentially be reused without code changes.
UltraLightClient's built-in optimizations such as lazy loading and caching also apply to ULC Mobile, which make it particularly suited for handheld devices with their limited memory and slower network connections. Large server-based applications will be accessible via rich UIs on mobile devices and PDAs. ULC Mobile requires CrE-ME to be installed on the handheld device."

A sample application showing an online shopping application customized for a PDA is available at the Canoo website. The demo application is a limited version of the ULC OnlineShop sample and can be downloaded to any handheld device.

To install and run the ULC Mobile sample on a PDA, follow the instructions listed on the sample page (http://www.canoo.com/ulc/demos/ulcmobile_sample.html).

A developer license for ULC Mobile costs US $4999 and can be purchased at the Canoo website. A 30-day evaluation license is available..