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Borland unveils C++ tool for devices

Borland Software on Tuesday will introduce C++ Mobile Edition for developing C++ applications that run on mobile devices.

The initial platform for the applications will be the Nokia Corp. Series 60 phones, which run the Symbian OS. Available late this month, C++ Mobile Edition is a free add-on to the Borland C++ Builder tool.

C++ Mobile Edition features an emulator that shows an image of a mobile phone, providing the developer with the ability to use wizards to build applications right on the image, according to Alison Deane, senior director of product marketing and business development for the Borland RAD (rapid application development) business unit.

Applications such as games, extended calendaring, and task lists can be built, Deane said. "It's really [for] any application you want to build for mobile devices."

The product enables C++ developers to transfer their skills to mobile device application development, Deane said.

Deane maintained that Microsoft appears to be relegating C++ to a back seat as it promotes its new C# language, but a Microsoft official stressed that the company remains committed to C++.

"C++ [developers] really didn't have anything on the marketplace that was pure C++, and Borland is bringing that solution to the market," Deane said.