1. A method for updating software on an embedded computer device, the method comprising the steps of: an embedded computer device executing an applet in an embedded virtual machine; suspending new requests to the applet; transmitting state information for the embedded virtual machine or the applet from the embedded computer device to a host computer device; receiving one or more software updates for the embedded virtual machine or the applet from the host computer device; installing the one or more software updates received from the host computer device; and subsequently the embedded computer device receiving the state information from the host computer device, restoring the state information received from the host computer device, and allowing new requests to be sent to the applet.