IBM’s WebSphere Studio Device Developer (WSDD) 5.7, announced yesterday at IBM Rational’s user conference in Dallas, Texas, will feature tools and extensions for building applications on a range of mobile and embedded systems.

WSDD 5.7, founded on the Eclipse open source tools framework, sees extensions for Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) and OSGi Alliance bundles. The OSGi is an industry and end-user group promoting standards for application delivery across wide area networks in embedded systems, like vehicle and home entertainment systems.

WSDD 5.7 is part of IBM’s recently announced Workplace Client initiative, comprising IBM desktop, server, workgroup and security technology for rich applications to run on a variety of clients. Workplace is viewed as IBM’s response to Longhorn, Microsoft’s delayed operating system due in 2006.

Longhorn is expected to feature integration of web services, an interface built using XML mark-up language that is accessible to a broader range of ISVs, integrated internet search and more sophisticated desktop and network search.

IBM’s desktop strategy has used Lotus Notes on the client with Domino servers, or portal software on the back end serving up application to the desktop. However, IBM is believed to be using the large window before Longhorn ships to launch an approach using Java that takes potential business from Microsoft and Longhorn.

Scott Hebner, vice president of marketing and strategy for ISV and developer relations, said the Workplace Client extends the Java programming model through extensions, such as those in WSDD 5.7, in a way analogous to Microsoft’s .NET Framework for mobile devices.

Hebner said WSDD 5.7 also serves as a tools workbench, and is being used internally by IBM to build tools to build Workplace Builder and Workplace Designer. Workplace Builder is to be targeted at business oriented developers, building and customizing interfaces and workflows, with Workplace Designer for Visual Basic developers and those skilled in Lotus Domino.