In this paper, we compare the features available for developing secure distributed applications for limited devices, such as smart phones. We limit our scope to examine frameworks for Java. This work is part of a continuing project which is considering capabilities and performance for application development on these platforms. The paper considers performance as it relates to various approaches to securing applications. The paper addresses two separate concerns. First is protecting access to resources by an executing application. The facilities for defining, limiting and controlling applications during their development, installation and execution are described. Second, we discuss approaches available for securing communication among application components running on servers or limited devices .