The trend has accelerated as startups can be formed more quickly and with less cash today, thanks to the Internet, mobilecommunicationsand cloud computing that make it possible to flip the switch on and get going.
Sun will contribute Java and a related technology called Jini that allows mobilecomputing devices to set up communications channels with other networked appliances and servers.
Lazaridis identified what he sees as three distinct product categories: communications devices like the BlackBerry, mobilecomputing platforms like the PlayBook and smartphones.
The iPad is not about productivity benefits (the sales pitch for most PCs and laptops) nor communications benefits (the sales pitch for most mobilecomputing gadgets).