Java is an object-oriented programming language based on C. It has been developed by Sun Microsystems since 1995 and has enjoyed an enormous increase in popularity in the last years.

Java's main features are portability, multi-threading, automatic garbage collection, security, network ability and simplicity.

OSGi

The OSGi Alliance is a non-profit organisation founded in 1999, with the objective of providing a forum for the development of open specifications for the delivery of services to local networks and devices in a wide range of domains (audio/video, home automation, mobile phones).

Its goal is also to accelerate the demand for products and services based on those specifications worldwide through the sponsorship of market and user education programs.

An OSGi Framework is an open, modular and sizeable "Service Delivery Plattform". It gives service providers, network operators, device makers, and appliance manufacturers vendor neutral application and device layer APIs and functions.