BREW basics

The QUALCOMM BREW mobile device platform is installed and supported on a variety of devices made by different manufacturers worldwide. Adobe Flash CS3 Professional includes tools and resources that developers use to create Flash Lite-based applications and content that users can download and use on BREW devices.

Flash developers use the Flash authoring tool to create Flash Lite content and applications for BREW-enabled devices. Developers then submit their applications to National Software Testing Laboratories (NSTL) for True BREW Testing (TBT). Once applications pass TBT, they are uploaded to the BREW Delivery System (BDS), and if chosen for distribution by a carrier, they are made available on the carrier's application download server (ADS). Device users can then download and purchase these applications, taking advantage of key features in the BREW platform for over-the-air distribution and billing through the BDS.

Developers who want to experiment with BREW without incurring the costs associated with full-scale BREW development can elect not to register as authenticated BREW developers and download only the free SDK components, which are sufficient to produce and test an application using the BREW Simulator, but not to upload and test it on a device, or to simulate specific device characteristics with customized device packs.

BREW is intended to operate as an "ecosystem" to help support the development and delivery of wireless device content. Its aim is to make it easier for developers to create, distribute, and derive profit from wireless applications. This ecosystem consists of the following main groups of participants:

Developers use tools available in the BREW SDK to develop content with C++ combined with APIs, or with a BREW-compatible extension. The BREW SDK is a free download, but you must register with QUALCOMM to get access to the Tools Suite and SDK Tools.

National Software Testing Laboratories (NSTL) tests applications that developers submit, and if they pass, the applications are eligible for inclusion in the BDS. If they do not pass, developers can correct and resubmit their applications.

QUALCOMM maintains the BREW Delivery System (BDS), which is a web-based system that delivers content listed in QUALCOMM's catalog, along with pricing and billing information. Pricing can involve several models, including operator auction.

Operators (carriers) use the application download server (ADS) to offer content they select at retail prices for purchase by customers through an over-the-air (OTA) delivery mechanism.

Device manufacturers use the BREW client, which exposes a common set of application programming interfaces (APIs) for standardized development of wireless applications. The client also includes an application manager that users can purchase and use to manage BREW applications.

Flash CS3