Vodafone today announces that it has joined the Java Verified TM Program, a program to provide a unified process for the testing and certification of Java TM technology-based applications for mobile handsets. In joining the program Vodafone becomes the first mobile operator to become a Platinum member in the initiative.

The Java Verified Program is fast becoming the standard for mobile Java application testing since its launch in February 2004 by Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Siemens and Sun Microsystems.

The program provides developers with the most effective way to test, promote and distribute mobile content to global end-users and subscribers. Developers whose applications successfully pass Java Verified testing can choose to participate in the marketing and distribution program offered by Vodafone.

Guy Laurence, Global Terminals and Consumer Marketing Director, Vodafone Group, said, "Vodafone has already stated its commitment to reducing fragmentation in the mobile content value chain. Our advocacy of the Java Verified Program further demonstrates that commitment by helping lead the industry towards a standard approach to testing. A single testing process ensures that developers can now more easily reach out to the millions of Vodafone live! customers worldwide, with significantly reduced time-to-market.